Horizons December/January 2021 by The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.)

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

» Your feedback » Member benefits » Kids’ puzzles Hiking up Bluff Knoll and other Great Southern peaks What your car’s on-board computers know about you 12 of the cheapest cars to own and run in WA

BEACH CAMPING Our pick of WA’s 14 best beach camping spots

RAC can help with any battery situation Non-emergencies included Members save

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Book now at rac.com.au/aircon99 *Terms & conditions apply visit rac.com.au/aircon99. Offer is valid between 1st December 2020 and 31st January 2021. *10% discount applies to car service labour performed by RAC. MRB 935. A/C Lic No. 42707

Editor Vanessa Pogorelic Graphic Designer Renee Smith

Your RAC magazine Dec/Jan 2021

Advertising Gail Raj (WA only) Tel. 08 9388 7844 gail@mediatonic.com.au Lauren Casalini Tel. 03 8520 6444 laurencasalini@hardiegrant.com Horizons® Published by RAC WA Cover photo Osprey Bay, Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area Cover photographer Sam Millington sammillington.com

High range Exploring Bluff Knoll and other Great Southern peaks

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Australia Post ISSN No 0810 8285. The opinions contained in this publication may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. Advertisements in Horizons are the responsibility of the advertiser. No person should act or rely upon such opinions or advice and RAC accepts no liability for them. Any rewards or rights provided to a member cannot be transferred, assigned, sold or redeemed for cash. Inclusion of a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.

Contact

 facebook.com/RACWA  @racwa rac.com.au  editor@rac.com.au For deaf, hearing or speech impaired members: Emergency Roadside Assistance SMS number 0434 182 877 All queries relayservice.gov.au For more contact details, see page 73.

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Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message Connecting our communities

Member feedback Your views and opinions

Snapshot News from RAC

Car data What your car knows about you

Vehicle running costs The cheapest to own and run

Cars of the future Kids share their thoughts

Beach camping The top spots to stay in WA

Safe vehicle loading Preparing for a summer road trip

Motor news Everything on wheels

Test drive Putting new cars to the test

Car doctor Your questions answered

Little Legends Travel safe puzzles for kids

The 10 best (and biggest) Impact craters in WA

Horizons / December-January 2021

Doing more for WA and for you Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the power of membership Your membership is helping to create a better WA - from young driver education, to road safety and sustainability initiatives, and the sponsorship of the RAC Rescue helicopters. And we give back to you with discounts on RAC products and services, plus great everyday savings.

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YO U R R A C

President’s message Connecting our communities As a purpose-led member organisation, RAC strives to improve the quality of life of our members by making our roads safer, our air cleaner, and by supporting the initiatives and projects that will bring our communities even closer together. Communities are stronger when residents feel physically and socially connected with each other and their environment. RAC recognises that reinvigorating local areas is a crucial step in achieving this and is providing additional support through two key community programs. Our Reconnect WA initiative will see RAC provide up to one million dollars to local governments to deliver projects which reimagine and revitalise streets and public places. Pop-up plazas, cycling and walking infrastructure, community art projects and innovative lighting are just a few examples of the projects we’re seeking to support. By working with

local governments to deliver these projects we hope to transform our communities, boost engagement and lay the foundations for longer-term changes to support safer, more sustainable and better-connected communities.

amphitheatre seating, Aboriginal art and sculpture, and nature-based play. This community project, designed to pay respect to the traditional custodians and their ties to the Dugalup Brook area, will be enjoyed for years to come.

RAC has also extended its support of Town Team Movement (a not-forprofit organisation that supports and empowers communities to create better places) by becoming a principal partner and providing up to $50,000 in funding through the second RAC Connecting Communities Fund. Our aim through this fund is to provide residents with more opportunities to be directly involved in activating their local spaces across WA.

By working together through programs like these, we can achieve the social, economic and environmental outcomes that will make our communities even stronger. This is why I look forward to seeing more of these fantastic initiatives being embraced and activated across our state.

In our initial round of funding launched last year, RAC’s Connecting Communities Fund supported a range of initiatives, including Djiljit Mia, a community gathering place in Dunsborough which celebrates Aboriginal heritage and history. Using repurposed and recycled materials, Djiljit Mia includes a performance area, natural

On behalf of the RAC Council I would also like to take this opportunity to thank RAC members for your support during the year. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our RAC people who work every day to support our members and are committed to RAC being the driving force for a better WA. I wish everyone a wonderful and safe festive season with your friends and families.

Jacqueline Ronchi

RAC President

Jacqueline Ronchi RAC Council Club Patron His Excellency the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia President Jacqueline Ronchi Senior Vice President Professor Ross Dowling AM Vice President John Driscoll Members of Council Leanne Bishop Allan Blagaich Freda Crucitti Jill Darby Tony Evans Dalton Gooding Alden Halse Brian Hanson Emmerson Richardson Julie Wadley Jim Walker

RAC President

ABOVE: Djiljit Mia, Dunsborough.

Horizons / December-January 2021

YO U R R A C

Frances Andrijich

Member feedback

@racwa editor@rac.com.au

Free Safe Travels sessions We’ve been holding free caravan safety training sessions and vehicle health checks to help everyone in our community travel safely around WA. Here’s some of your feedback about our caravan training: Big shout out to your staff who provided the caravan safety session. It was delivered in a friendly, easy to understand manner and the opportunity to practice the signalling techniques was a marriage saver! Thanks, and highly recommend. (Perth session)

I have been towing caravans for 50 years and even I got so much information. Latest on safe towing, road distancing etc. Thank you. (Busselton session) I found the session very informative. The practical lesson on backing a caravan was extremely helpful. Been out practicing already while it is fresh in our mind. The instructors were knowledgeable and very helpful. (Perth session) Brilliant there should be many more. People I have spoken to would love some training. Please do more. So many people need it! (Geraldton session) To find out where our vehicle checks and caravan training is happening next, visit rac.com.au/safetravels

Caravan holiday on hold Setting out with caravan in tow for a few days away, we got 40km from home and bang - dropped no.5 piston, pulled onto the side of the freeway and called RAC for help. The operator advised us of the safety procedures for freeway breakdowns and ensured we were okay, then requested priority assistance. A tow truck arrived within 30 minutes and loaded my Cruiser onto the truck and hooked up my caravan. At the same time a taxi arrived, arranged by RAC, as due to COVID-19 restrictions we could not travel in the tow truck. Our caravan was delivered back to my home address, my vehicle delivered to my nominated repairer and we arrived home by taxi all covered by the RAC. As costly as the repairs are to my vehicle, it would have been a lot more costly and stressful if it hadn’t been for the services of the RAC, for whom I am eternally grateful, and I am now a member and advocate for life. Tony Fraser

December-January 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Cracking down on mobile phone distraction Your thoughts on the increased penalties for using a mobile phone while driving: Great rules and about time. If you do not have blue Winning tooth or a phone cradle, don’t feedback do it. Leave your phone in a handbag or on the back seat if you’re tempted to answer. You can hear it ring and pull over when safe to call back. Better than killing yourself or worse some other unfortunate people. Susan Theyer Excellent. I hope they have lots of ways of enforcing it. As a scooter rider, I’m happy to wear a helmet-cam sending footage back to the infringements Dept! Léni-Jo Mc

ABOVE: Painting by Pat Wright

Celebrating the best of the West

Great idea! It’s time people took responsibility when behind the wheel. It’s not only their lives they put in danger, but also innocent people who do the right thing. Pauline Cox

During September we delivered Horizons Special WA Travel Edition to members. Produced in partnership with Tourism Western Australia and Tourism Australia, the magazine showcased destinations and travel experiences across the State. Here’s what you thought:

To find out more about the new penalties, visit the Road Safety Commission rsc.wa.gov.au

Crossing the line Why are drivers still crossing white unbroken lines, such as on and off ramps on Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways, Tonkin highway and the worst one, at traffic lights? Rob Franklin If you need a refresher about when you can and can’t cross broken and unbroken white lines on the road, turn to page 14.

I just want to say congratulations re: RAC’s latest Horizons Special WA Travel Edition. Definitely will be kept in the car’s glove box! Sue Campbell We would like to compliment the RAC team for their latest publication - the Special WA Travel Edition. It is outstand-

ing and published with such a magnificent collection of Western Australian travel locations. Jones Family A great read...and a great road trip in the making. Paul Long It makes a lovely painting! Pat Wright (See above)

Send feedback and win Send us your opinions and feedback via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or email and you could win a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance. For assistance or more information call 13 17 03 or visit rac.com.au Terms and conditions on page 73. Published letters may be edited for style and length. While we try to respond to all letters we receive, a response cannot be guaranteed.

Horizons / December-January 2021

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YO U R R A C

News in brief from the RAC and beyond

New community ‘nooks’ added to Beaufort Street Two previously unused areas along Beaufort Street in Inglewood have been transformed into vibrant landscaped public spaces, with games, benches and tables, surrounded by colourful murals. Dubbed ‘Inglenooks’, the creation of the community spaces was coordinated by the Inglewood on Beaufort community group, with locals lending a hand with the landscaping.

seating and shade for the Inglenooks through the RAC Connecting Communities Fund, which supports community-led projects that help reinvigorate our public spaces.

The project has added an attractive new feature to the Beaufort Street shopping precinct where locals and shoppers can relax and connect.

The Inglenooks are located between Ninth and Tenth Avenues on Beaufort Street, opposite the Inglewood Town Square and library.

RAC provided funding for additional

The Inglenooks project was a Town Team Movement initiative, of which RAC is a principal partner.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Travel safe with free car checks and caravan training With more Western Australians taking road trips across the State than ever before, RAC is offering free vehicle health checks and caravan safety training sessions to help everyone get to their destinations safely. The vehicle health checks, conducted by our Roadside Assistance Patrols and Auto Services technicians, are being held at various locations across the Perth metropolitan area and regional centres, and include an inspection of tyres, lights, batteries and other vehicle safety systems. Some common issues found so far are low engine oil, faulty brakes and poor tyre quality. No bookings are required for these vehicle checks. Our free hands-on caravan training sessions focus on towing and reversing safely, and provide important information about vehicle weights and the legalities of towing, plus the opportunity for hands-on experience to master the art of reversing. The sessions are suited to both beginner and experienced caravan travellers and are being held in Perth and regional areas. Places are limited and bookings are essential. All sessions are open to RAC members and the wider community. To find out where our vehicle health checks and caravan safety sessions are being held, visit rac.com.au/safetravels

Horizons / December-January 2021

How you sit in your car seat matters Seat heights in many vehicles can be adjusted up or down to better suit the height of the driver. However, using another object, such as a cushion, to further increase the height at which youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seated can have an impact on the effectiveness of an airbag if it were deployed during a crash. In each vehicle, airbags are designed to be effective throughout the range of driver seat adjustments and across a range of average occupant body sizes. But this assumes the seat is used with no extra cushioning that may further increase the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s height when seated. Airbags may be less effective in a crash where the driver is positioned differently from that which is allowed using seat adjustments alone.

Why is there a weekly petrol price cycle? Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s petrol price cycle is a marketing strategy used by fuel retailers and is not directly related to the costs of refining or transporting petrol. Sometimes, at the point in the weekly price cycle where prices are lowest, retailers may even be making a slight loss, where pump prices are compared to wholesale prices. There is no doubt that some motorists find the price cycle frustrating and understandably so, however the flipside is that you can also time the days that you fill your tank to be the days when prices are at their lowest point in the cycle (currently Tuesdays). While fuel retailers are ultimately allowed to set their prices where they choose, they have recently been warned by the ACCC to moderate their pricing behaviours.

The same is true for other vehicle occupants, with the exception of children in approved and correctly fitted child car restraints. Significant alterations to the sitting position of any passengers, including passengers resting their legs or feet on the dashboard, can have an impact on the deployment of airbags and increase the risk of injuries. Seat belts can also be less effective when not worn as intended. When correctly positioned on the body, a seat belt helps restrain passengers in a crash by limiting movement at some of the strongest parts of the body - the chest and pelvis. Research suggests wearing a correctly fitted seat belt reduces the risk of fatal or serious injury by around 50%.

In WA, retailers are also bound by the Petroleum Products Pricing Act 1983, which legally obliges them to notify the WA State Government of their fuel prices for the following day by 2pm, and then keep those prices unchanged for 24-hours from 6.00am. Consumers can use this to their advantage and shop around, knowing prices are not going to fluctuate throughout a given day. If you do shop around, the savings can be substantial over a year.

For the lowest fuel prices near you, visit fuelwatch.wa.gov.au

YO U R R A C

Plan to survive this summer A bushfire 20km from your home may seem like a safe distance away but embers from that fire could be at your front door in a matter of minutes. Even if you don’t live in the bush, you could still be at risk this summer. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is urging the community to prepare their property for bushfire before the hot weather sets in.

It’s essential to have a carefully considered bushfire plan in place to give you, your family and your property the best chance of surviving if confronted by fire in your local area. Deciding when you’ll leave, where you’ll go and what you’ll take will save precious time when a bushfire is approaching your home. If you’re travelling around the State over the summer, ask your holiday accommodation provider what their bushfire plan is and where you can access it. More than 90 per cent of our State is bushfire prone so having

When it is (and isn’t) okay to cross the line The division of our roads using continuous and broken lines is generally well understood, but some combinations of continuous and broken white lines can cause confusion when it comes to changing lanes or overtaking other vehicles. Lane lines are used to divide multiple lanes travelling in the same direction. These lines can be a broken white line or, in some sections of road, may be a continuous (or unbroken) white line. Wherever there is a continuous white line, you must not cross the line to change lanes unless you’re avoiding an obstruction, passing a cyclist, obeying a traffic control signal which applies to the first marked lane, or are moving into or out of a special purpose lane which you’re permitted to drive in. Centre/dividing lines are used to separate lanes of traffic travelling in opposite

directions. Where there is a single or two parallel continuous lines, or a continuous line on the left of a broken line (so the continuous line is closest to you), you must not travel on, over, or to the right of the dividing line, unless you’re passing a cyclist, or turning right or making a U-turn (where permitted). Remember, while you can cross continuous lines to overtake a cyclist travelling in the same direction, you must keep a distance of at least 1m on roads with a 60 km/h limit or less, or 1.5m on higher speed roads and only overtake when you have a clear view of other traffic and it’s safe to do so.

a plan in place no matter where you are could save your life. Without one you could put yourself and your loved ones in danger so plan now to survive. In late November DFES will launch an online platform to help you develop a comprehensive bushfire plan tailored to your household. For more information, visit dfes. wa.gov.au/ bushfire

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December-January 2021 / Horizons

MOTORING

What your car knows about you Each time you drive, your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful on-board computer systems are quietly generating details about the trip. Could this data be used to make our journeys better and safer and what are the risks? By Ruth Callaghan

December-January 2021 / Horizons

MOTORING

It can happen in a split second. The road is wet, and you take a corner just a bit too fast, lose control of the car and spin out, hitting a tree. At the moment of the crash you’re knocked unconscious and what happens next is out of your hands. If a fellow traveller spots your car leaving the road, emergency services might be on their way within minutes. But if not, critical time that could be used to save your life will tick away. If this scenario played out on a remote European road, the driver is likely to have some luck on their side. Since 2018, all new cars in Europe have had a service known as eCall installed, which automatically detects when a crash has occurred. As soon as the crash registers, the system dials an emergency service line and sends crucial information such as the time and location of the crash, and a description of the vehicle involved. It is estimated by the European Union that eCall can speed up emergency response time by 40 per cent in urban areas and 50 per cent in the countryside, and it has the potential to save up to 2500 lives a year when fully deployed in Europe. eCall is just one way the data being generated by vehicles could be used to help save lives, but Australia lacks a framework for collecting and sharing vehicle-generated data which would allow government to use it to improve road safety while protecting personal privacy.

The computer in your driveway Right now, there is a computer sitting in your driveway that knows more about the way you drive than you do yourself. But the question of what your car knows, and who it tells, is a complex one that raises issues not only of safety but of privacy and security.

Horizons / December-January 2021

And as the amount of vehiclegenerated data grows, so does the need for clear rules around its collection, storage and use. “We’re heading toward a more connected future, where cars will be connected to one another and to infrastructure,” says RAC general manager Public Policy and Mobility Anne Still. “They will generate a lot of data, some of which will be personal data, but also other types of data that may be of interest to transport agencies.

Today’s cars are estimated to have up to 100 million lines of code and collect up to as much as 25 gigabytes of data per hour. “There’s really an issue here around just what data a car can collect, and then how that data is stored, how it’s used, and how it’s shared.” To put a modern car’s computer into context, the average office computer has about 40 million lines of software code. That’s pretty big: almost twice the code that goes into an F35 fighter jet and 100 times that of a space shuttle. But the family car computer is bigger. Thanks to an explosion in the use of software in vehicles — driving the in-car entertainment system, tracking your blind spots, assessing your fuel efficiency — today’s cars are estimated to have up to 100 million lines of code and collect up to as much as 25 gigabytes of data per hour.

Tomorrow’s vehicles will be even smarter, with the use of software tipped to double by 2030. From the tip of the tailpipe to the bumper on your bonnet, almost every part of a modern car is a data generating machine, capturing information every centimetre you travel on the road. The breadth of things your car already captures is remarkable. Some of that data is external, including environmental conditions such as whether there is fog, or if the roads are wet. Some relates to the car itself, its oil temperature or tyre pressure. Data can provide an insight into how the vehicle is being used: the speed at which you took that corner, the roads on which you drive, and the average load you’re carrying in the boot.

A brave new data world Some of that data is available now, but to be collected, it is mostly limited to a physical download by your mechanic. Within a few years, though, the stuff of science fiction will become fact, as the connection between different cars, and between cars and other sensors, becomes widespread. Already cameras that face the driver are being trialled as manufacturers experiment with technology that links what is happening within the car with the world outside. BMW in January 2020 unveiled its new driver camera — a so-called ‘gaze detection system’ which can track what you’re looking at outside the car and engage you in conversation or provide you with information about it. But the implications for road safety are also significant. Within a few years, not only could your car call for emergency assistance but it will be able to provide your surgeon with a real-time prediction of your risk of head injury. Your car could alert sensors owned by the local council that a pothole has developed or receive an early warning from road authorities that there is debris on the road ahead.

MOTORING

A change in the pattern of your driving can let the vehicle know you’ve had a heart attack or even if your car has been stolen, so the car brings itself to a stop. But while you might own your car, it’s not always clear who owns the data it produces, nor how you can define what is collected or how you give permission for who can share it. From a governance perspective, that means most Australian agencies like first responders can’t gain information about a crash even if your car has an important story to tell. Road authorities can’t yet use car data to plan their infrastructure or monitor assets, and police (usually) can’t easily access vehicle data to understand the causes of a crash.

Personal privacy prompts concerns RAC’s Anne Still says RAC members are divided on how they feel about vehicle data being shared, and as the data becomes more personal, their concerns increase. In a survey of almost 600 members that looked at both vehicle and transport-related data, including information collected via public transport Smartrider cards, threequarters were happy with road condition information being shared with government once it had been de-identified and aggregated.

42% were happy to share information about their location or the time of their car journeys.

A comparable proportion (71 per cent) were happy with data about the operation of vehicles immediately before and after fatal or serious crashes being shared with government, and two-thirds were happy for vehicle emissions data to be shared.

The potential value of data for emergency service use and to improve road safety and network management is clear, but the concerns of drivers must be addressed. But they were less happy with the sharing of data that could potentially identify individuals. Just 42 per cent were happy to share information about their location or the time of their car journeys, even if that data was summarised at a postcode level. When it comes to any form of travel, 73 per cent were very concerned about their journeys being monitored. More than two-thirds were very or extremely concerned about data being used for purposes to which they had not consented. The results of the survey were included in an RAC submission to the National

2 in 3

were very or extremely concerned about data being used for purposes to which they had not consented.

Transport Commission (NTC) which is looking at the issue in more detail as it tries to develop a framework for how vehicle data should be treated for use by government. Anne Still says the potential value of data for emergency service use and to improve road safety and network management is clear, but the concerns of drivers must be addressed. “While there is that broad level of support for some use, nearly 90 per cent of respondents were concerned about data breaches, and that’s specifically related to identity fraud,” she says. “Drivers need firstly to understand what data is being collected and for what purpose, and then they need the option to opt-out if they wish, without consequence. It shouldn’t mean any change to the performance of the vehicle or services they receive, wherever possible. “We also have to keep in mind that the framework government puts in place needs to not only look at whether data is personal or not at the point of collection, but what happens once it’s shared and paired with other data, how it’s stored, and how it’s treated throughout the data lifecycle.” Luis Gutierrez, manager productivity and safety at the National Transport Commission, says the NTC expects to report later this year on a recommendation for access to vehicle

76% were happy with

road condition information being shared with government.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

MOTORING

data, recognising that the absence of an agreed position on government access is a problem. “Modern vehicles collect significant amounts of data that could assist government decision-making. However, Australia is at an early stage of development. Few vehicles today are connected, there are no agreed standards for data and governments have not agreed their data priorities,” he says. The NTC’s goal is a national framework that can be agreed by

90%

of respondents were concerned about data breaches.

Horizons / December-January 2021

both government and industry, so that data can be exchanged without raising commercial, privacy or security issues — or creating disincentives to deploying technology, he says.

it remains important for drivers to be heard on their position about what data should be collected and shared for specific purposes, such as improving road safety.

“Apart from the need for public acceptance (and trust) of vehicle data being accessed, exchanged and used by government and industry, all the relevant parties need to agree on a framework for collecting, storing and exchanging data.”

“We have a window of opportunity in that vehicle connectivity is not yet widespread but within the next decade, we’ll have a situation where the majority of new cars are connected, and are downloading and recording data,” she says.

In the meantime, RAC’s Anne Still says

2 in 3

were happy for vehicle emissions data to be shared.

“We need to get in front of that change.”

73%

were very concerned about their journeys being monitored.

N E P O NOW ING

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hearing what my grandchildren were saying to me, it was confirmation enough I needed to do something to improve the situation. Now, a couple of decades down the track, I’m a widower and getting married to a really beautiful lady in two months’ time. Joyce asked me to marry her and I replied: “In a heartbeat” and I want to be able to talk to her without her having to repeat herself. I’m delighted to say that I now have another chance at good hearing, and another chance at enhancing my already happy life. I consider myself a lucky man. I also feel that going to Brad Hutchinson Hearing has been one of the best decisions of my adult life as I am now wearing two excellent in-the-ear style aids that are easy to maintain, to insert, and to regulate. They are by far the best I have experienced. AND I particularly like the friendly professional service offered at this clinic. Graeme Piggott

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*Eligible pensioners and veterans may be entitled to free or subsidised digital hearing aids and free hearing services. Conditions apply to clients under the HSP. To find out if you’re eligible, visit hearingservices.gov.au.

MOTORING

12 of WA’s cheapest cars to own and run We’ve crunched the numbers on a range of new cars to find those that cost the least per week to buy and keep on the road. In the popular small car category, the stylish Kia Cerato Hatch has beaten some stiff competition to take out the top spot as the cheapest small car to own and run in WA, in RAC's 2020 Vehicle Operating Costs Survey. Following an extensive review to find which new cars take the least out of your pocket per week, the Cerato came in with a low total weekly cost of just of $205.16. It even out-performed a hybrid, the Toyota Corolla Ascent Hybrid taking out second place as the cheapest small car to own and run. Among the light cars, the Suzuki Baleno was the cheapest in its category and cheapest overall. But cheaper doesn't always mean better, especially when it comes to safety. Potential buyers should be aware that the Baleno is not available with any advanced driver assist systems, like autonomous emergency braking and blind spot warning, and it does not have an ANCAP safety rating.

In the popular SUV category, the Hyundai Venue was the cheapest to own and run. It’s low weekly running cost of $205.58 was also on par with many small cars. SUV sales have continued to climb in WA and in 2019 made up approximately 46 per cent of new cars sold here. Hybrid vehicles did well in this year’s survey. The Toyota Camry Hybrid was the cheapest medium-sized car to own and run, while the Corolla Hybrid was the second-cheapest small car, after the Kia Cerato S – an impressive placing given the Corolla Hybrid’s on-road price is $6000 more than the Kia’s. Corolla Hybrid rated highly despite its price thanks to its much lower fuel costs (almost half those of the Kia) and cheap servicing. While expensive to purchase and therefore bringing higher loan repayments, pure electric vehicles (EV) lead the pack when it comes to low running costs. There were three pure EVs and two plug-in hybrids

in our survey with an average servicing cost about two thirds the average of other cars. The Hyundai Ioniq Elite EV was the cheapest to own and run over five years, costing $320.91 per week. The RAC Vehicle Operating Costs survey is based on typical vehicles on Australian roads across 12 categories and provides an indication of the likely areas of regular out-ofpocket expenses. The 79 vehicles surveyed were generally chosen from the top selling vehicle in each class. A number of diesel and hybrid sedan and hatch models have also been included. Weekly running costs are based on buying a new vehicle and operating it for five years. For a full list of vehicles, visit rac.com.au/runningcosts

At the other end of the cost scale, the Nissan Patrol Ti was the most expensive vehicle to own and run in WA, costing $583.58 per week. Contributing to the high weekly running cost was the Patrol’s 5.6-litre V8, which also needs premium 95 RON petrol.

RIGHT: The Kia Cerato Hatch has taken out the top spot as the cheapest small car to own and run in WA.

Horizons / December-January 2021

MOTORING

Cheapest Light Car

Cheapest Small Car

Cheapest Medium Car

Suzuki Baleno GL

Kia Cerato S

Toyota Camry Ascent

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $23,490 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $132.07 Loan repayments $473.71 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $138.38 Servicing $37.58 Tyres $38.92 TOTAL COST per month $820.66 TOTAL COST per week $205.16 ANNUAL COST $9847.91

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $34,436 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $118.91 Loan repayments $675.55 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $78.54 Servicing $20.67 Tyres $51.42 TOTAL COST per month $945.08 TOTAL COST per week $236.27 ANNUAL COST $11,340.95

Cheapest All Terrain SUV

Cheapest People Mover

Cheapest 2WD Ute

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX

Honda Odyssey VTi

Mitsubishi Triton GLX

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $52,940 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $152.68 Loan repayments $1026.19 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $153.90 Servicing $20.70 Tyres $86.42 TOTAL COST per month $1439.89 TOTAL COST per week $359.97 ANNUAL COST $17,278.65

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $43,484 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $144.63 Loan repayments $853.05 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $142.12 Servicing $66.25 Tyres $51.42 TOTAL COST per month $1257.48 TOTAL COST per week $314.37 ANNUAL COST $15,089.70

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $41,208 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $141.63 Loan repayments $808.41 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $161.60 Servicing $15.70 Tyres $67.50 TOTAL COST per month $1194.84 TOTAL COST per week $298.71 $14,338.08 ANNUAL COST

4 SPEED AUTO

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) ANCAP safety rating STANDING COSTS Registration, insurance & CTP Loan repayments RUNNING COSTS Fuel Servicing Tyres TOTAL COST per month TOTAL COST per week ANNUAL COST

6 SPEED AUTO

$19,816 not rated per month $94.20 $399.62 per month $100.98 $30.08 $40.41 $665.29 $166.32 $7983.51

8 SPEED AUTO

2.4 CVT

HYBRID CVT

6 SPEED AUTO

December-January 2021 / Horizons

MOTORING

Cheapest Small SUV

Cheapest Medium SUV

Cheapest Large SUV

Hyundai Venue Go

Toyota RAV 4 GXL

Subaru Outback 2.5i

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $25,233 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $124.92 Loan repayments $495.01 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $134.64 Servicing $29.83 Tyres $37.92 TOTAL COST per month $822.32 TOTAL COST per week $205.58 ANNUAL COST $9867.83

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $40,306 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $120.29 Loan repayments $790.70 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $121.55 Servicing $21.50 Tyres $70.42 TOTAL COST per month $1124.46 TOTAL COST per week $281.11 $13,493.49 ANNUAL COST

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $42,067 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $140.47 Loan repayments $825.27 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $136.51 Servicing $81.17 Tyres $70.42 TOTAL COST per month $1253.84 TOTAL COST per week $313.46 $15,046.09 ANNUAL COST

Cheapest 4WD Ute

Cheapest Plug-In Hybrid

Cheapest Electric

Mitsubishi Triton GLX

Hyundai Ioniq Elite

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $45,045 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $146.86 Loan repayments $873.14 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $165.44 Servicing $20.70 Tyres $67.50 TOTAL COST per month $1273.64 TOTAL COST per week $318.41 $15,283.73 ANNUAL COST

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $47,174 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $114.75 Loan repayments $914.41 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $54.41 Servicing $25.42 Tyres $38.92 TOTAL COST per month $1147.91 TOTAL COST per week $286.98 ANNUAL COST $13,774.90

ON-ROAD PRICE (est) $54,575 ANCAP safety rating  STANDING COSTS per month Registration, insurance & CTP $118.14 Loan repayments $1057.88 RUNNING COSTS per month Fuel $42.12 Servicing $26.58 Tyres $38.92 TOTAL COST per month $1283.64 TOTAL COST per week $320.91 ANNUAL COST $15,403.70

6 SPEED AUTO

Horizons / December-January 2021

CVT

PLUG-IN

AWD CVT

T R AV E L

BEST

BEACH CAMPING IN WA

Pack the tent and feel the sand between your toes at these 14 fabulous beachfront camping sites. By Michelle Gilmore

Some are located right on the beach with BYO everything. Others are set back from the beach but have more facilities and even some luxuries. You’ll find them spread across national parks, reserves and councilrun campgrounds, privately owned holiday parks, Aboriginal communities, and even on pastoral stations. Generally, if you’re staying at a site right on the beach, you’re likely to be trading those million-dollar views for a few less onsite facilities, so be prepared. You may even need to be completely self-sufficient at some sites, including bringing your own water.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you’ve got the right gear to cover the type of camping adventure you’ve got planned.

Gearing up to go If you’re heading somewhere remote, consider hiring a satellite phone or UHF radio. Having vehicle recovery gear is also essential for those heading off the beaten track as is a first aid kit no matter where you’re going. A portable air compressor is a worthwhile addition, too. Before you travel, research day fees, transit permits, park passes and any restrictions that may apply. With unpatrolled beaches, keep safety in mind when swimming and check where four-wheel driving is allowed. For more details visit trailswa.com.au and select 4WD under trail type.

If you’ll be driving on the beach, only do it in a four-wheel drive and remember to reduce your tyre pressure. Driving conditions can change rapidly along the coast so extra care should always be taken. Wherever you do decide to set up camp, only do so in designated sites, obey signage and camp responsibly, following the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimise campfire impacts; respect wildlife, and be considerate of your hosts and other visitors. To get your beach camping adventure started, here are seven sites right on the beach for those willing to rough it, and seven a bit further back but with a little more luxury, to consider for your next trip.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

Suzanne Long / Alamy Stock Photo

Stretching across more than 12,000km, WA has the longest coastline of any state or territory in Australia and offers incredibly diverse and spectacular beachfront camping sites.

©Tourism Western Australia

T R AV E L

LEFT: Red Bluff, Quobba Station; RIGHT: Osprey Campground, Cape Range National Park.

CAMPING RIGHT ON THE BEACH Cleaverville, Karratha Just 20 minutes north-west of Karratha, this naturebased campground offers excellent fishing straight off the beach or at the mouth of Cleaverville Creek. It’s also a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling. From here you can explore more of the stunning Pilbara coast, but exercise caution if boating due to the 5m tides. Facilities/features: Unpowered sites, no toilet facilities for campers, no potable water, sullage points available, natural boat ramp. Pets: Yes, but restrained or confined at all times. Best time to visit: May to September. Access: Two-wheel drive access via a gravel road from the North West Coastal Highway. Bookings: Bookings required and fees apply, along with a camping permit which can be purchased online. Maximum stay 28 days within any threemonth period from May to September.

Horizons / December-January 2021

Osprey Bay, Cape Range National Park Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Osprey and Sandy Bay. Ningaloo Marine Park’s coral reef is bursting with life, including whale sharks. A must-do in Cape Range National Park is exploring Yardie Creek’s rocky gorges. This amazing coastline also offers land-based wildlife and wildflowers. Facilities/features: Pit toilets (accessible), picnic tables and boat ramp nearby, non-potable water. No shade. A dump point is at the visitor centre. Caution with strong currents. Pets: No. Best time to visit: April to November. Access: Two-wheel drive access to all vehicles and camping. Unsealed roads within the campgrounds. Bookings: Online at Parks and Wildlife. Entry fees apply.

Turtle Bay, Dirk Hartog Island

Lucky Bay, Kalbarri

With no facilities and room for only one vehicle, if you’re looking for off the beaten track, this is it. Watch the whales, dolphins and rays. In summer, gaze on the largest loggerhead turtle breeding colony in the country.

How does a protected bay, a reef, massive sand dunes and a budget campground only 50m to the beach sound? You can take your four-wheel drive on the beach here and Kalbarri town is only 40km to the north. Explore Kalbarri National Park’s natural wonders, including the WA icon Nature’s Window, and experience breathtaking views on the brand-new skywalk.

Facilities/features: Generators allowed. Portable cookers preferred. No wood fires or wood collection. Order fuel and ice from the homestead in advance. Portable toilets are recommended. Pets: No. Best time to visit: March to September. Access: Four-wheel drive only with good clearance. The barge transfer has a maximum vehicle length of 10.6m. The site is 88km from the barge. Entry fees apply. Bookings: Essential.

Facilities/features: Toilets (accessible), firepits, dump point, mobile coverage, generators allowed, picnic tables. Bring your own water, firewood and portable toilet if possible. 28-day limit. Pets: Yes. Best time to visit: Winter. Access: Four-wheel drive recommended. Bookings: No bookings, pay on arrival.

T R AV E L

Milligan Island Camping Node, Green Head

Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay

Bettyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach, Albany Region

Billygoat Bay hosts 36 large sites in this eco-tourist camp. There are no fires and no running water or power. Built in 2016, views to the islands are beautiful - great for photographers and for relaxing. Beach driving is available, and the area offers snorkelling, sandboarding, fishing and water sports. Caves, surfing and walks are nearby. A perfect spot for families.

The coast here is a fishing hotspot and the turquoise waters are also popular for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Bring a kayak and paddle out to nearby islands just offshore or explore some of the four-wheel drive tracks in the area.

This pretty freedom camp is one of six coastal reserves in the Albany region, 17km south of Manypeaks. Popular for swimming and fishing, there is no beach camping, but the small camping area has direct access to the beach.

Facilities/features: Long-drop toilets (accessible), BBQs, generators allowed, boat ramp, picnic tables and shade. BYO drill for tent pegs. Seven-day limit. Pets: Yes. Best time to visit: July to November is great for wildflowers.

Facilities/features: Camp kitchen, BBQs, picnic area, eco-toilets. No powered sites, no potable water, no showers. Pets: Yes, but restrained or confined at all times. Best time to visit: March to May and October to January. Access: Accessible by two-wheel drive, north of Jurien Bay along an access road that leads to the site.

Access: Two-wheel drive via a gravel road.

Bookings: No bookings. Fees apply.

Facilities/features: Toilet, picnic tables, shade, boat ramp. Suitable for tents and RVs. Pets: Yes. Best time to visit: November to midFebruary. From then until the end of April it is closed for salmon fishing. Access: Two-wheel drive accessible, with a steep access road, 9km of dirt road and a small turning circle. Caution required for beach driving. Bookings: No bookings, fee free and a seven-day limit.

Ric Jacyno

Tourism Western Australia

Bookings: Site fees are collected by rangers, no bookings.

LEFT: Aerial view of Dirk Hartog Island National Park in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area; TOP: Fishing off the beach across from Milligan Island, located between Green Head and Leeman; BOTTOM: Sandy Cape Recreation Park.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

T R AV E L

RIGHT: Aerial view of RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park, south of Broome Take a short walk over the dune to WA’s longest beach. Located between Broome and Port Hedland, you’ll find an oasis with wonderful fishing. Enjoy four-wheel driving, swimming, walking, birdwatching and spectacular sunsets. As a significant flatback turtle rookery, you can watch turtles lay eggs or see them hatch; nesting season is October to March. Facilities/features: Grassy, powered and drive-through sites, toilets, showers (accessible amenities, too), fresh water, BBQs, camp kitchen, shop, shade and dump point. Pets: No. Best time to visit: June to August. Access: Two-wheel drive accessible, 10km of unsealed roads. Bookings: Not required for camping.

Horizons / December-January 2021

Sean Scott

CAMPING CLOSE TO THE BEACH McGowan Island Beach, Kalumburu

RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Red Bluff, Quobba Station

A scenic location, this laid-back campground is pet friendly and has some creature comforts but remember to pack the toilet paper. You’ll be looked after by the caretaker, and the fishing and sunsets are superb. Since you can’t be much further north in WA, it is no wonder the campground is only open April to November.

Located 25km from the town of Denham, this is the only beach accommodation in Monkey Mia with dedicated beachfront caravan sites overlooking Monkey Mia Bay. The Resort is located within the UNESCO World Heritagelisted area and famous for its daily dolphin interactions.

This working pastoral station is north of Carnarvon in the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. With 80km of coastline, it is a mecca for surfers, but also popular for fishing, snorkelling, whale watching and wildlife. Camp or enjoy some extra luxuries in safari tents on the Red Bluff cliffs (including power, rainwater, beds and amenities). Regardless, you’ll have views of that beautiful beach.

Facilities/features: Toilets, showers, drinking water, fireplaces, boat ramp, shade and generators allowed. Free power to charge devices. Fee for Wi-Fi and laundry. Be crocodile-wise. Pets: Yes. Best time to visit: Winter. Access: Four-wheel drive only. Bookings: No bookings. Land access fee applies.

Facilities/features: Toilets, showers, laundry, camp kitchen, shade, general store, fish cleaning stations and BBQs. Suitable for tents and RVs. Pets: Yes (sites only).

Facilities/features: Toilets, dump point, boat ramp, fire pits, BYO wood.

Best time to visit: All year round.

Pets: Yes, if camping, but note it is a 1080 baited area.

Access: A sealed road, via Monkey Mia Road.

Best time to visit: June to August has the best weather.

Bookings: Pre-booking is required. RAC members save up to 20% on sites and accommodation.

Access: Two-wheel drive accessible, includes 70km of unsealed road. Bookings: None taken for camping, ‘first-in’ basis. Call or book online for accommodation.

T R AV E L

Orleans Bay Caravan Park, Condingup

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance

If you like to swim, surf or fish, there are ten beautiful beaches within three kilometres of this family-run business. Right in the corner of the bay, the bush setting means you’re well protected from winds. The Park also offers some extra recreational facilities.

The Park is only a short 1.5-hour drive north of Perth and positioned in front of Ronsard Bay in Cervantes, home to cray fishing, Lake Thetis and the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park.

This beach will leave you spellbound. Located 59km south-east of Esperance, it’s had a $4.2 million makeover, making more room for campers. Fish, swim, snorkel and say ‘hi’ to the kangaroos relaxing on the beach.

Facilities/features: Toilets (one accessible), showers, laundry, camp kitchen, dump point, playground, tennis court, mini-golf, café and shop.

Facilities/features: Toilets, showers, laundry, camp kitchen, shade, café, picnic tables and BBQs.

Facilities/features: Accessible toilets, solar hot showers, BBQs, camp kitchen, picnic tables, boat ramp. Generators are allowed. No fires or solid fuel appliances, so BYO liquid or gas fuel BBQ, stoves and heaters, except during a fire ban.

Pets: Yes (sites only).

Pets: Yes.

Best time to visit: March to May and October to January.

Best time to visit: February to March, there is less wind.

Access: A sealed road, via the Indian Ocean Drive.

Access: Two wheel-drive accessible, 85km east of Esperance, 22km south of Condingup.

Bookings: Pre-booking is required. RAC members save up to 20% on sites and accommodation.

Pets: No. Best time to visit: February to March. Access: Two-wheel drive is all you’ll need to camp here.

Bookings: Bookings needed. Book online or call.

Bookings: Online bookings and day fee.

BELOW: Aerial view of RAC Cervantes Holiday Park; Campgrounds at Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park.

RAC members save Members can save up to 20% on stays at all nine RAC Parks & Resorts in iconic holiday spots across WA, including seven parks located just a short distance from the beach. To find out more, visit racparksandresorts.com.au

RAC members save Members save 50% on Annual All Parks passes (digital pass) for unlimited entry to any national park in WA for 12 months.

Prasit Rodphan

For bookings and more details about campgrounds in WA parks and reserves, visit dpaw.wa.gov.au

Michelle Gilmore is an author at Camps Australia Wide.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

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MOTORING

GET PACKING

How to make sure your car, caravan and trailer are safely and legally packed and loaded for your summer road trip. By Brendan Batty A lot of planning can go into a driving holiday, especially when you’ve got a family on board. On longer getaways, the amount of gear and supplies needed to make your trip even more comfortable and enjoyable can really add up. Getting those essential (and nonessential) items correctly loaded is an important part of having a safe and happy trip.

Before you go, you’ll need to consider the impact of adding weight, bulk and even odd-shaped attachments to your vehicle. Whether you’re loading a couple of bags and surfboards for a week in Esperance or a four-wheel drive, trailer and roof racks for six weeks camped up north, you’ll need to make sure everything is packed safely, efficiently and legally.

There are pages and pages of recommendations, rules and guidelines about loading things into or onto a vehicle, but before you go, ask yourself these simple questions: Could it cause a crash? Will it move, come loose, or potentially cause an injury? Will it make the drive less comfortable? You should be able to answer ‘no’ to each one.

BELOW: Secure your loads with straps rated for the load.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

MOTORING

ABOVE: Short, squat camper trailers usually load well, but be careful not to load heavy things too high; RIGHT: Any object that is not properly restrained on a vehicle can become a dangerous projectile in a crash.

Could it cause a crash? Every light vehicle must abide by certain limits when it comes to loads. Light vehicles (be that a car, four-wheel drive, caravan or trailer) and their load cannot exceed the weight limits set out by the manufacturer or relevant authority. (see our Loads Glossary on page 33). Vehicles loaded up for the holidays can easily overstep one or more of these limits. For example, with a large caravan hitched up and a load of gear in the back of a four-wheel drive, it’s not hard to overload the rear axle or exceed the Gross Combination Mass (GCM), even if neither car nor caravan is individually overloaded. Even with your box-trailer loaded up with camping gear, it doesn’t take much for it to weigh more than 750kg – the upper limit of a trailer not fitted with brakes. Regardless, the loaded mass must not exceed the towing capacity of any part

Horizons / December-January 2021

in vehicle/trailer combination, and this includes the towbar and towball. In one Victorian police blitz focused on vehicles towing caravans, nearly 60 per cent were found to be overweight in some manner. If you suspect your vehicle is on the heavy side, consider getting it weighed. There are public weighbridges all over the state (visit publicweighbridgeaustralia.com.au and look for locations in WA) or you can buy personal vehicle scales for a few hundred dollars. They’re reasonably accurate, so they’ll give you a ball-park indication. It’s also illegal to drive a vehicle carrying a load that makes it unsafe or unstable, or that has a load which extends from it that could injure a person, obstruct the path of other road users, damage property or that could fall from or just be dislodged from the vehicle without falling from it.

In Perth alone, Main Roads responds to approximately 50 callouts a week to remove things from the road that have fallen from vehicles, so it’s pretty common. It’s important to carry your heaviest items low in the vehicle and, where possible, between the axles in a vehicle, or directly above the axles in a trailer. Don’t carry very heavy items on the roof or high up. If you’re towing a caravan or long trailer, avoid placing heavy loads at the very rear, even if it helps balance the load, as this will cause trailer sway and instability. Those towing a heavy trailer or caravan should consider using a weight-distribution hitch to improve braking and steering performance. You can’t drive a vehicle that’s carrying a load unless the load is restrained on the vehicle by an appropriate system. If you’re securing things to roof racks, in a trailer, in your tinny or on the

MOTORING

LEFT: Caravans with their bulk-storage areas over the axle tend to be better balanced and more stable on the road; ABOVE: Where possible, avoid carrying heavy items, like toolboxes, on the rear of a caravan.

outside of a caravan, it must be securely attached by a device rated for the load. For instance, a ratchet strap with a suitable load rating is acceptable. That old rope from Grandpa’s trailer, an occy strap or your boat’s canvas cover is probably not. Specifically referring to boats, Main Roads told Horizons, “If you carry items in a boat, make sure they are secured. Just because the item is in the boat doesn’t necessarily mean it is secured. There are many cases when items have been blown out of a boat by wind pressure and hit cars travelling behind or in the opposite direction.” Finally, a vehicle and its load can’t measure more than 2.5m wide, 4.3m high, and in WA, can’t have a load that extends more than 1.2m in front or 1.2m to the rear of the vehicle, or 150mm beyond the extreme outer portion on either side (like a roof-rack

mounted awning or the longboard you’ve got hanging out the corner of your ute’s tray). Overstep these, and your vehicle is exceeding the maximum legal dimensions and projections allowable on WA roads. Again, for boats, Main Roads says, “If your boat is wider than 2.5m, then you also require a Main Roads Permit to move the boat on a public road.” And if your load obstructs a rear number plate, organise an auxiliary number plate through the Department of Transport.

Will it move?

[it stays] on the vehicle during normal driving conditions – this includes heavy braking, cornering, acceleration and even minor collisions”. While both refer to a load ‘on a vehicle’, the Department of Transport confirmed that we need to take the same precautions ‘in’ a vehicle, as items ‘on’ a seat or ‘on’ the floor are still considered on the vehicle.

“A load on a vehicle must not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe.”

It’s not just people and pets we need to secure in a car. The Road Traffic (Vehicle) Regulations 2014 says, “A load on a vehicle must not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe.”

Any object that’s unrestrained in a vehicle can become a dangerous projectile in a crash.

Similarly, the National Transport Commission’s Load Restraint Guide says, “You must restrain any load you are carrying on a light vehicle so that

In a sedan, the problem is solved simply by putting items in the boot. In a ute or van, put them in the tray or cargo area (don’t just rely on the tray or the barrier/

December-January 2021 / Horizons

MOTORING

Loads glossary GVM – The Gross Vehicle Mass is the most a motor vehicle can weigh, including its load, fuel, accessories and passengers. ATM – The upper limit of how much a trailer or caravan can weigh while being towed, specified by the manufacturer. GCM – The Gross Combination Mass is the most a motor vehicle and its trailer can weigh, including its load, accessories and passengers. It may be less than the sum of the GVM and ATM. Axle loads – The maximum allowable load over a specific axle, as stated by the manufacturer. ABOVE: The nose-up profile of this four-wheel drive could indicate the rear end’s overloaded. Reducing weight over the rear axle, or using a weight distribution hitch might solve the problem. Heavy duty suspension won’t.

window behind the cabin to keep your items from moving around, make sure they are secured). If the back seat’s the only place, put heavy things on the floor, rather than on the seats.

Whatever it is you have loaded onto or into your vehicle and trailer, check on it regularly during the trip, as things will shift, which could cause straps to loosen or make room for things to move.

In an SUV or wagon, if possible, get a cargo barrier fitted. Alternatively, use the tie-down points that are an underused feature of nearly every wagon to secure the load (hot tip – hook the straps to the forward points before loading the car, and dangle them over the back seats, so they don’t get lost as you pack everything in). Don’t use occy straps - they’re not good enough. Store things low down, against the back seats and below the height of the head restraints, which not only keeps a barrier between you and them but means your vision out of each window isn’t obstructed.

Will it make the drive less comfortable?

In a motorhome or campervan, pack everything away before driving and check that all cupboards and drawers are closed correctly.

Horizons / December-January 2021

Vehicle comfort has been shown to affect driver fatigue, and a poorly loaded vehicle will make things uncomfortable. A harsh ride because the suspension is overloaded might be the most obvious example but even the constant hum of a loose tarp vibrating in the wind, the repeated complaints of children cramped in the back seats with luggage at their feet, or worry caused by a slightly swaying caravan are very tiring. Consider packing less, or if that’s not possible, invest in the roof racks, trailer, or even the vehicle you need to safely and responsibly carry everything you need. After all, you’re meant to be on holidays, relaxing and enjoying yourself.

Un-braked towing limit – The maximum weight of a trailer that can be towed without auxiliary trailer brakes fitted. It’s never more than 750kg, but often less. Braked towing limit - The maximum weight of a trailer or caravan a motor vehicle can tow if the trailer and motor vehicle are fitted with an auxiliary trailer brake system. Judged by the physical weight of the trailer, not it’s specified ATM. It’s rarely more than 3500kg, but often less. Maximum tow ball download or mass – The weight limit which can be carried by the tow bar. It’s rarely more than 350kg, but often much less. Roof Load – The maximum safe weight you can carry on a vehicle’s roof, including the weight of the roof racks.

YO U R R A C

KIDS HAVE THEIR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF DRIVING

Hovercraft, flying cars and jetpacks are just some of the transport technologies our young people are imagining will be helping them get around in the future. Perth primary school students are being given an insight into how old technologies have shaped our past and how new ones will shape their future, as part of RAC’s Imagine Program™. This free school excursion, held within the grounds of South Perth’s Old Mill, has been providing Year 5 and 6 students with a hands-on insight into the future of motoring, transport and road safety. As part of the program, students get to experience a driverless vehicle, with a ride on the RAC Intellibus®. They also learn about how computer coding is being applied to road safety and get to construct their own future transport sculpture using recycled materials. More than 1780 young people have attended Imagine Program™ excursions. To spark young people’s creative minds even more, we asked them to imagine other possibilities for new transport technologies in the future. Here are some of their thoughts and ideas.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

If you had to choose between a car that could drive itself or one that you had to drive, which would you choose and why?

In the year 2050, do you think people will still have cars that they drive on the road? If not, how will we get around?

“I would choose a driverless car because I don’t know how to drive a car anyway so it’s one less thing to do.” Sophie

“No, they will have hoverboards and airships instead.” Miles

“If I had to choose a car I would choose a car that drives itself because you can eat breakfast there.” Chelsea “I would choose to drive a driverless vehicle because it’s safer and I can talk to my parents without them being distracted.” Odetta “I would choose a driverless car because I could socialise and on long drives entertain myself.” Thomas “I would drive myself because I would probably just waste my brain away playing Minecraft if I didn’t drive.” Sara Jayne “I would choose to have a driverless car because it would most likely be electric so saving the environment and I don’t know how to drive yet apart from Mario Kart.” Daisy “I would choose a car that can drive itself because I probably wouldn’t trust myself driving (and it’s cool).” Kitty

Horizons / December-January 2021

“There will be no Holden cars but there is a chance that there will be driverless cars.” Dylan “I think they will have cars which hover on magnetic pulses.” Oscar “I think there will be cars just they could look very different and may be flying cars.” Nathan

How could we make our cars safer, so that no one would have crashes anymore? “We could have non-popping air bags around the car so if a car bumps into it then it will just bounce back.” Sylvie “Well firstly, I think all cars should have emergency stops, airbags, Lidars, clear vision glass, GPS, automatic seatbelts and an automatic fan for dogs and others when temperature is too hot.” Amelia “We could make our cars safer by not using cars and using like flying things in the sky.” Alex “We should make them automated and test them millions of times so it’s 100% crash free.” Mischa

“I think there will be driverless cars and there might be teleportation and hoverboards also.” Will

RAC Imagine Program™

“No, I think we’ll have hover cars and futuristic technology (having VR headsets and driving a real car on a real road but you’re not even in the car!) Lachlan

The RAC Imagine Program™ has been operating in South Perth and is supported by the City of South Perth. The program will also be in Geraldton between 17 November and 11 December. To find out more, visit rac.com.au/imagine

“They might have created more Intellibuses or a super-duper intelligent engineer teams up with a professional scientist and they create… the portal!” Chloe

T R AV E L

BLUFF KNOLL AND OTHER GREAT SOUTHERN PEAKS

Take a different path down south and elevate your senses with a trek to the top of Bluff Knoll. By Cassandra Charlick

December-January 2021 / Horizons

T R AV E L

The spectacular peaks of Western Australia’s Great Southern region hold an element of mystery and intrigue for many WA locals. It is here that you’ll find the only mountain range in the southern half of the State. The region is also home to the South West’s highest peak and is one of the only places in WA where you’ll see snow. Just over four hours south of Perth, the Great Southern is a destination with many surprises. And while the stunning coastline around Denmark and Albany is where many holiday makers are drawn, head a little further inland and you’ll be richly rewarded with the beauty and hidden treasures surrounding the Stirling Range and it’s crowning jewel: Bluff Knoll.

Framed by the dramatic Stirling Range to the north, and the granite domes of the Porongurup Range in the south, the town of Mount Barker is at the heart of the Shire of Plantagenet and your first port of call. A significant region in WA not only for natural wonders but also for agriculture, if you visit in early spring, you’ll be welcomed by the sight of fields overflowing with yellow canola crops against a backdrop of jagged peaks. While in town, pop into the visitor centre for information about local hiking routes, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste one of the best meat pies you’ll ever sink your teeth into at the Mount Barker Bakery. You can’t go wrong with the classic chunky beef, however this award-winning bakery also specialises in gourmet additions like kangaroo and chorizo. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to walk it off.

There are numerous walking trails with an option for everyone, from the flat 600m loop of the Bolganup Trail, through to the uphill 5km return route of the Devils Slide trail. As with most hikes in the region, sturdy shoes are essential due to uneven surfaces and the weather can change quickly, so be sure to pack plenty of water and suitable clothing to layer up. One hiking trail not to miss in the Porongurup Range is the Castle Rock Walk Trail. This two to three-hour trek will reward you with breathtaking views at the top from the Granite Skywalk – a lookout platform with lower and

Cassandra Charlick

So, if you’re ready to take on a true West Aussie bucket-list adventure, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and head towards those rugged and mysterious peaks for a unique and awe-inspiring journey.

A gentle warm up

For your first day of hiking, drive 20 minutes east of town and take the turn off for the Tree-In-The Rock Day Use Area in Porongurup National Park. At the carpark you can pick up a multi-day Holiday Pass for entry into the Park. A five-day pass is $25 per vehicle and will also cover your entry into Stirling Range National Park. Keep in mind that during school holidays, carparks at hiking and picnic spots fill up quickly.

LEFT: the Granite Skywalk in the Porongup National Park; ABOVE: the Balancing Rock along the Castle Rock Walk Trail.

Horizons / December-January 2021

Cassandra Charlick

T R AV E L

TOP: the Tree-In-The-Rock in Porongurup National Park; MIDDLE: On the road to the Stirling Range; BOTTOM: Australia’s only operational flour windmill at The Lily; RIGHT: Bluff Knoll, known as Bular Mial to the Nyoongar people, is a place of great spiritual significance.

upper lookouts. On the way up, you’ll pass through marri and karri forest and also see the famous Balancing Rock. It’s a relatively steep climb but suited to those with a moderate fitness level. Having reached the peak, there are two options: play it safe and take in the views from the lower lookout, or challenge yourself with a climb over boulders studded with metal handles and rocky footholds to get to the upper lookout. After one final climb up a six-foot metal ladder, the upper lookout offers views of the surrounding countryside as far as the eye can see: down to the Southern Ocean and Albany, and up to the striking silhouette of the Stirling Range. Back at ground level, from the Castle Rock picnic area, you can catch your breath again on an easy 1km stroll around the Walitj Meil trail and learn more about the spiritual importance the area holds for the traditional owners.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

T R AV E L

Before jumping back in the car, make sure you take a look at the Tree-In-TheRock itself, where quite literally a karri tree has grown out of a crevice in the granite rock. After a day of forest treks, a hearty meal awaits just down the road at Karribank – one of the oldest continuously operating country retreats of its kind in WA, having opened its doors to guests just after the Second World War. The rambling historic property houses several lovingly restored mud brick and wooden cottages with views of the Porongurup Range. Take a stroll through the rose-filled gardens on the way to the homestead’s Karri on Bar for a woodfired pizza followed by a glass of local wine on the verandah for sunset. Head back to Mount Barker to gather supplies and recharge your batteries overnight before the next big hiking challenge – the summit of Bluff Knoll.

Horizons / December-January 2021

Time to climb From Mount Barker, it’s a one hour drive north-east to the Stirling Range National Park. Ideally you should base yourself here for at least two or three days to explore the Park well. One great accommodation option is Mount Trio Bush Camp. This private bushland campground, built largely from repurposed materials, has powered and unpowered sites and is a stellar spot to set up camp for a few days of hiking. Another accommodation option with an altogether different atmosphere is The Lily, a slice of European hospitality in the middle of the Aussie bush. Take your pick from one of the 16th-century replica Dutch-style houses, or for something completely different, spend a night in their vintage Dakota aircraft. Situated against the striking backdrop of the Stirling Range, Australia’s only operational flour windmill is also quite

the landmark, and your hosts Pleun and Hennie will gladly give you a tour, along with freshly baked stoneground spelt bread for breakfast. They’ve even set up a weather webcam from The Lily with a clear view over the range for hikers. Before tackling any trails through the Park, do check which are open as some are still recovering from previous bush fires. On the day of your Bluff Knoll ascent, if you need supplies, stop by the Bluff Knoll café at the turnoff to Bluff Knoll Road – they have everything from sun cream and ponchos to energy bars and coffee. Park at the Bluff Knoll carpark and Eastern lookout and take a moment to gaze up at the South West’s highest peak. Known as Bular Mial to the Nyoongar people, it is a place of great spiritual significance.

T R AV E L

The Aboriginal name for the Stirling Range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, translates to ‘mist moving around the mountains’. As the name suggests, the weather patterns can shift fast around the peaks, so be sure to pack a jacket and be prepared for increasing wind at the top. Though you should only attempt the climb in good weather.

The views from the 1099m peak of Bluff Knoll are almost otherworldly and unlike anywhere else in WA. It’s also important to advise someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time and take enough water and snacks for a solid three to four-hour journey to the top and back down. The trail itself has recently undergone an extensive rebuild and upgrade. It’s now even more accessible to hikers, with all the steps rebuilt, a new bridge halfway up and much of the trail consisting of compacted pathway. Steep sections are easier to manage than previously.

While the walk is challenging in terms of the incline in some sections, there’s no race to the top and it’s perfectly achievable for those with lower levels of fitness, as long as you take your time. Be sure to stop at the waterfall about one third of the way up, and then again at the seated rest point about halfway up. The path to the top is very clearly sign posted, with some informative plaques along the way and there are no alternative trails, so there’s little chance of getting lost if you stay on the path. The views from the 1099m peak of Bluff Knoll are almost other-worldly and unlike anywhere else in WA. As you gain height you can see further north and west across the Stirling Range, and from the summit the views sweep southwards across to the Porongurup Range. Take your time and soak it all up. It’s also a spectacular spot to stop on a sunny day for a picnic lunch before the three-kilometre climb back down. Dieback is a big problem in the Stirling Range, so do be careful not to stray from the path and keep your hiking boots as clean as possible. Unfortunately, more than 2300 plant species in the South West are susceptible.

Recover and relax To treat yourself to some well-deserved post-hike luxury, book a night or two at Katanning’s Premier Mill Hotel - just a ninety-minute drive north of Bluff Knoll. Since opening in 2018, the hotel has received much praise for its clever design, which tells the story of the 127-year-old building’s history at every turn – even the coasters in the bar are printed with the blueprints for the original flour mill’s operational equipment. Enjoy a cracking local wine and bar snacks in the Cordial Bar, before heading upstairs to dine at the hotel’s Dome restaurant. In no rush to head home? Stay a few extra days and explore the nearby PUBLIC Silo Art Trail and historic sites around Katanning. The Kodja Place in Kojonup is well worth a visit; take time to absorb the history of the town and the Nyoongar culture and stories in The Kodja Gallery, The Storyplace, and The Rose Maze. Be sure to say hello to Nyoongar elder Jack if you see him while visiting; you’ll be in for a treat if you catch some of his storytelling magic.

Tourism Western Australia

BELOW: The view from Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the Stirling Range National Park.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

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MOTORING

Motor news Mazda’s Skyactiv-X: petrol or diesel? Mazda’s new Skyactiv-X engine can switch between running as a normal sparkignition petrol engine and running more like a diesel. In fact, it’s so clever, we’d call it a breakthrough. Mazda calls it Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI). In both running modes, the Skyactiv-X engine uses a spark plug to begin the fuel combustion process. But when running in the diesel-like compression-

By Alex Forrest

ignition mode, according to Mazda, a very lean fuel to air mixture is firstly brought into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke, and then during the compression stroke the injector puts atomised fuel directly around the spark plug. When the spark plug fires, it ignites the atomised fuel immediately surrounding it, which then increases pressure in the combustion chamber to the point where the lean mixture rapidly combusts. Outputs for the Skyactiv-X are 132kW and 224Nm, compared to 114kW and

200Nm for the normal 2.0-litre, known as the G20. Among the advantages brought by SPCCI are, as is reminiscent of a diesel, more torque which arrives 1000rpm lower in the rev range. However, the 2.0-litre SPCCI engine is only available in the topof-the-range Mazda3 Astina model. If you get the non-SPCCI Astina, the alternative engine is a 2.5-litre unit with 139kW and 252Nm – which means more performance for $3000 less and only 1.3L/100km more fuel consumption. The 2.5-litre

The latest news from the motoring world

engine also only needs 91 RON fuel, as opposed to the 95 needed for the SPCCI unit. Still, SPCCI remains an exciting new fuel saving innovation which we hope becomes more widespread.

Online record

The Toyota Yaris has had a major update, but so has its pricing, with a jump of more than $7700 where the retail prices of the old entry level automatic is compared to the new equivalent. It’s one of the biggest new model price increases we’ve seen. Toyota says this is partly due to the added safety equipment. But the company has also steered punters towards buying one of their used (and less well equipped) cars if they can’t afford a new one. The new Yaris brings centre front airbags (which inflate between the front seats to protect the front occupants’ heads), which are a first for a car in this class. Also, the top two Yaris models (SX and ZR) are available as petrol/electric hybrids, which, with the help of a lithium-ion battery pack, use only 3.3L/100km in the standard test.

Horizons / December-January 2021

Image courtesy Gooding & Company

A more lavish Yaris

Selling cars on the internet is an old concept, but one that took on a whole new meaning following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As sales of valuable classic cars were increasingly moved from live auction rooms and into virtual, online rooms, the cars were able to continue to be traded in an auction format, but more safely. This also led to some records being broken. Most significant of these was the setting of a new record for the most expensive car sold in an online auction – a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose which sold for $4.29 million in August.

MOTORING

Alex Forrest reviews the latest cars

Engine Features Safety Price

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol Power: 310kW @ 6750rpm Torque: 500Nm @ 5000-5250rpm Claimed fuel economy 8.9L/100km Price: fr $105,600 drive away ANCAP safety rating^ 

Tested 2018

MercedesAMG A 45 S Back when the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG was introduced in 2013, it sparked a revolution. It was a totally new direction for Mercedes’s AMG division, which had previously only been associated with big, expensive rear-wheel drive sedans and coupes. Suddenly, it halved the entry price for AMG ownership and at the same time, turned up the boost on what was technically possible with a premium hot hatchback.

Now, after seven years of luxury hot hatch oneupmanship between this car and its rivals, the 2020 rendition, now referred to as the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, still has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. But there’s a big ‘but’, and we cannot lie. The 2020 A 45 has been tweaked so that this same sized engine can now make 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque. That’s a jump of 30kW and 25Nm compared to the previous model. The new A 45’s all-wheel drive system can send all the engine’s torque to the rear wheels if needed to optimise

traction and/or the driving experience. The system also enables new, racetrack-only modes which lets drivers explore the car’s performance abilities even further. The A 45’s all-wheel drive system receives its drive through an eight-speed dual clutch gearbox which can vary the aggressiveness of the gear changes depending on the drive mode that’s selected. Similarly, the A 45’s active damping system lets the driver chose between three suspension settings, being “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus”. Less often discussed is the shameless, if amusing

gimmickry aboard the A 45, such as the ambient lighting. Sure, you can change the colour, but the A 45 S takes this a step further. Increase the temperature of the climate control, and the backlit lighting in the air vents turns red. Turn the temp down, and they go blue. There are 64 different colours and 10 different lighting effects to choose from. No one needs any of that, and no one needs a 310kW hatchback either. But everyone needs a smile now and then, and if you can afford it, there are several ways the AMG A45 S can assign one to your dial.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre petrol Power: 132kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 224Nm @ 3000rpm Claimed fuel economy 5.3L/100km Price: fr $46,490 drive away* ANCAP safety rating^ 

*Auto, ^Tested 2019

Mazda3 Skyactiv-X After a long lead-up, Mazda has brought to market one of the most innovative pieces of fuel-saving engine technology seen in recent years: Spark Controlled Compression Ignition. The technology is marketed as Skyactiv-X and its primary difference from a regular petrol engine is its ability to utilise elements of the way a diesel engine operates, while still offering the smoothness and higher rev range of a conventional modern petrol powerplant.

Horizons / December-January 2021

Turn to Motor News on page 45 if you’d like to know more about how the Skyactiv-X technology works. What it offers though, is lower fuel consumption compared to Mazda’s regular 2.0-litre petrol engine, and better performance. The Skyactiv-X uses 5.5L/100km compared to the regular 2.0-litre’s 6.2L/100km. An Achilles heel of the Skyactiv-X is that it requires premium fuel, whereas the other Mazda3 engines use regular 91 RON unleaded. So if you’re conscious of fuel costs, you’ll need to consider how much the extra cost of premium will offset the economy gains.

You’ll also need to account for the extra $3000 in the purchase price of the Skyactiv-X. Also, at the time of writing, this technology was not available in the entry or mid-level Mazda3s – only the top-of-the-range Astina. So to get the technology, buyers have to also get the Bose sound system and a sunroof that they might otherwise be happy without. Still, these extra outlays will bring benefits in terms of contributing to cleaner air in our cities. Also attached to the Skyactiv-X engine is Mazda’s M Hybrid system. It’s a very mild hybrid system, because the

energy it recovers supplies power to the car’s electrical system, rather than directly helping turn the wheels through the use of a large battery and electric motor. The engine stop/start system benefits from the beltdriven starter motor that can also work as a generator, harvesting energy for use in restarting the engine later. It’s far less intrusive than other systems which use a conventional starter motor. Bottom line: The Mazda3 Skyactiv-X is a highly impressive piece of innovation from Mazda. It’ll cost you more, but it’ll also help keep our air cleaner.

Specifications Engine: 2.0-litre diesel turbo Power: 125kW @ 3500rpm Torque: 380Nm @ 1500rpm Claimed fuel economy 7.3L/100km Price: fr $45,490 drive away ANCAP safety rating Not rated

Mitsubishi Express By the time the previous Mitsubishi Express van was finally discontinued in 2013 after a run of 26 years, it had become an anachronism. In the seven years since, Mitsubishi has done without a small van in their Australian line-up – until now. Through an agreement with Renault, which is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, Mitsubishi has brought the Express back by utilising the Renault Trafic van as its basis. To do this, Mitsubishi has

added a new design to the front of the van and Mitsubishi-specific badging, however the key elements of the Renault, such as the engine options, body design and basic interior design all remain. Among the benefits of this sort of short cut is that the vehicle is already fully developed, meaning the mechanicals are well-proven. Other positives are that the cost of the interchangeable parts can be amortised over the number of parts produced for both vehicles. However, these arrangements, referred to as badge engineering, do have their pitfalls, including deficiencies in design and equip-

ment, such as safety gear, which can be duplicated across both vehicles. For example, with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) not available in the Renault Trafic, it isn’t available in the Express either. By comparison, the Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter and Ford Transit all have AEB as standard. The Express does have some other advantages over some of its rivals though. Firstly, it has ‘barn’ style doors at the rear, meaning they’re split down the middle and open like double doors in a house. The Hiace has a huge rear liftback door like in

a hatchback car, which can be a problem in tight spaces. The Express can fit two standard-sized pallets in the short wheelbase version and has a five-year, 100,000km warranty. It comes with two engine options which depend on your transmission choice: manual versions get a 1.6-litre diesel, and those with the six-speed dual clutch auto get a 2.0-litre diesel. Consumers should be aware that while the Express is a good-driving, fuel-efficient and roomy van, its minimal safety features in its current state also mean a 5-star ANCAP safety rating is not possible.

December-January 2021 / Horizons

Specifications Engine: 1.5-litre petrol turbo Power: 127kW @ 5500rpm Torque: 220Nm @ 1700-5500rpm Claimed fuel economy 6.4L/100km Price: fr $37,950 drive away ANCAP safety rating^ 

Tested 2017

Honda Civic RS Recent years have seen the warm hatchback category become increasingly populous, with cars like the Hyundai i30 N Line, Kia Cerato GT, Ford Focus ST-Line and this, the Honda Civic RS. These cars are called ‘warm’ because they sit between the entry level models and the high performance ‘hot hatches’ in their respective model ranges. For many, these are the ‘just right’ models in terms of pricing, equipment and sportiness. Goldilocks might even own one. Honda has now improved the RS’s standard safety gear by

Horizons / December-January 2021

making their suite of driver assist technologies (called ‘Honda Sensing’) standard on two more models in the range, being the mid-spec Civic VTi-L and the RS.

Also remaining in the current model Civic is a two-tiered oddments area that lets you keep unsightly phone cables in the lower section, but still easily accessible.

Honda Sensing includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), as well as lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and active cruise control with the ability to manage speeds while following other vehicles at low speed. Pedestrian detection is also included.

Welcome changes include the replacement of some of the touchscreen functions with physical buttons and knobs for commonly used controls like the audio volume and fan speed.

Honda has kept the Apple Carplay and Android Auto phone screen mirroring functionality standard across the Civic hatch range.

The Civic RS’s fuel consumption is excellent, but not just because of its rate of consumption, which averaged 7.8L/100km while we had it. The fact it can use 91 RON petrol, which is much cheaper than the 95 RON premium fuels, will also

be welcome among owners. Adding to the driving experience is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is unusual in that it lets the engine move through its rev range, rather than holding the revs at a constant rate. It’s one of the best CVTs we’ve driven. The Honda Civic RS is now well stacked with safety gear, which has spread further through the Civic range. Overall, the Civic RS’s 1.5-litre turbo is an economical powerplant delivering brisk performance aided by responsive, well-weighted steering in a better equipped package with improved ergonomics.

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Pick up copies of our maps, guides and Food and Wine Trails from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre, open seven days, or download from swanvalley.com.au.

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MOTORING

Ask the

Car doctor

Our experts answer your questions

Win free fuel Send us your question for the Car Doctor and if it’s published, you’ll receive a $50 fuel voucher to use at any Puma location Australia-wide, thanks to RAC Member Benefits. Send your questions to editor@rac.com.au or post to The Car Doctor, Horizons GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number with your question. If your question is chosen for publication, please allow up to eight weeks for delivery. See page 73 for terms and conditions of entry.

within specifications. However, those standards required by the Act (such as allowable sulfur content) are low compared to overseas markets. As the Fuel Quality Standards Act applies federally, it’s unlikely that vehicles would not be sold in WA due to a fuel quality standard that applies Australia-wide.

We have a 2019 Mitsubishi ASX. We have been advised that it requires 91 octane fuel. On a few occasions it has been suggested we use 95 octane due to the poor quality of fuel coming out of Kwinana. It has also been mentioned that some cars can’t be imported to WA because of this. What is the plain truth, please? Chris, Hilbert

I was taught to drive using the gear shift to drop to a lower gear to slow down and save the brakes. I now drive an automatic. Is it okay to shift to the lower ratios to slow down instead of the brakes? John, Hillarys

It is fine to run your ASX on 91 RON petrol. Producers of liquid fuels are required under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 to supply fuel which adheres to a strictly enforced set of specifications. It is therefore not in the interests of the Kwinana refinery, which supplies fuel to most of WA, to produce or distribute fuels that don’t meet these standards. Independent testing by RAC of fuels sold from a selection of retail sites across the Perth metropolitan area showed fuels were

The use of the gears to slow the vehicle (engine braking) is required primarily when driving downhill for long periods, when carrying heavy loads, when towing a trailer, or all these combined. This can help prevent brake fade. However, using engine braking in all driving situations may create unnecessary transmission wear. Unlike brake pads and rotors, the transmission is not a wear item and servicing or replacing that due to its use for engine braking

would typically be more expensive than replacing brake parts. Also, be aware that when using engine braking alone, your brake lights will not be illuminated and other drivers will not be warned that your vehicle is slowing down. I have an older model Landcruiser and sometimes when I wind the windows down, they are particularly hard and occasionally pull the window rubber down at the same time. Is there any lubricant I can put in the rubber tracks, without damaging my window tint, so it stops this from happening? Marcus, Baldivis Try using a PFPE dry lubricant on the rubber weather strip to prevent it from being pulled down with the window. This will not leave an oily residue and nor will it cause the rubber to deteriorate. PFPE dry lubricant is available from hardware and auto parts stores. However, if your Landcruiser’s window scraper is damaged or hardened with age, you may need replacements. The enthusiast club for your vehicle should be able to assist.

RAC members can take advantage of our Motoring Advice Line. If you have a motoring question, call 6150 6199 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm to speak to one of our experts.

Horizons / December-January 2021

YO U R R A C

People, places, prizes and RAC news

Hard border turns West Aussies into boaties Coinciding with WA’s interstate border restrictions, the State has seen a huge increase in boat registrations since May this year, according to the Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Western Australia. In June this year, new boat registrations were up by a massive 98 per cent on June 2019, in boats under five metres in length. Concept only

An exciting redevelopment planned for Esperance If you want to wake up to the sparkling waters of Esperance Bay, you can’t get much closer than a stay at RAC Esperance Holiday Park. Already an idyllic location, this beachfront Park is about to get even better with a significant redevelopment in 2021. While the focus will remain on caravan and camping sites, nine self-contained cabins will also be added – a perfect option for families and groups. A new swimming pool is planned, and other Park facilities will be updated and modernised, including a new camp kitchen and barbeque area and an

improved games room and children’s playground. During the redevelopment, from May to December 2021, RAC Esperance Holiday Park will be closed. Once reopened, our revitalised Park will provide you with an even more comfortable and enjoyable stay while you explore all the surrounding natural wonders along this spectacular coast. We’ll keep you updated about the reopening over the coming months.

That followed on from a 39 per cent increase in May compared with the same period last year. Open boats, which includes dinghies and small open craft, was the most popular category, followed by runabouts. Personal watercraft, which includes jet skis, was the third most popular registered boat type and is one of the fastest growing sectors of powered vessels according to the BIA. Because this summer on WA’s waterways is expected to be a busy one, travelling safely when boating will be more important than ever. Make sure your knowledge of the rules and regulations that apply within WA waters is sound, your on-board marine safety equipment is in good condition and look out for small, non-powered craft such as kayaks and paddle boards when you travel. Also remember it is an offence to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Take your boat out this summer knowing it’s covered with RAC Boat Insurance. To find out more or get a quote, call 13 17 03.

Top 5 WA suburbs for RAC Boat Insurance: Halls Head Mandurah Fremantle East Fremantle Dawesville

December-January 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

5 things to do before you go on holiday If you’re lucky enough to get out and explore our beautiful state, make sure you follow these tips to keep your home as safe and secure as possible:

Turn off utilities

Why your car and its battery need to get out a lot more The way you use your car can have a substantial impact on the life of your car battery. Driving infrequently or only driving short distances doesn’t allow the battery to recharge enough while the car is in motion.

extended periods when you don’t use it at all, using a smart charger on the battery can help avoid sulfation and extend the useful life of your battery. Modern smart chargers are much more effective than the older style trickle chargers and are also easy and safe to use.

This can result in a premature build-up of lead sulfate crystals on the lead plates inside the battery, which can reduce its lifespan if the battery remains in a partially discharged condition.

You won’t need to disconnect your battery as smart chargers are fully automatic. All you need is a well-ventilated area while charging the battery and a 240v outlet close by.

If the battery case is swollen, sulphation has usually gone too far for the battery to recover.

Smart chargers don’t need to be monitored and will go into maintenance mode when the charging is complete. This means they can be left connected for extended periods when the vehicle is not in regular use.

RAC Patrol Leigh Bavin says battery failure from sulfation has become more common over recent months. “With many people still working at least some days from home and not using their car as often, we’re seeing a lot more batteries with this issue. “Because it’s considered a maintenance issue, batteries affected are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.” If you frequently take very short trips in your car or have

Horizons / December-January 2021

RAC members save Members can save 10% off RAC’s smart battery charger. To find out more,

visit rac.com.au/ batterychargers

Turn off internal water valves and taps to appliances like your washing machine to help avoid flooding if a water pipe bursts. If you have flexi-hoses under sinks, do a visual check for corrosion and replace if needed.

Unplug To avoid a fire, unplug all nonessential items around your home, especially items on power boards and extension leads and don’t leave anything to charge while you’re away.

Check your smoke detectors If your smoke alarms aren’t hard-wired, do a quick check of the batteries to see if they need replacing.

Check your locks Before you leave, do one last check to make sure all doors and windows are key locked.

Enhance your home security If you don’t have one already, consider installing a home security system. Alarm systems can be linked to 24/7 professional monitoring. You can even add a security patrol service while you’re away. Security cameras can also keep you connected to your home with remote access. or a free security consultation, F contact RAC Security on 1300 132 735 or visit rac.com.au/security

YO U R R A C

Travel safe these holidays Get your kids to solve our road safety puzzles and learn more about how we can all travel safer these holidays. RAC Little Legends Club® is a free and fun road safety program for kids. When they join the club, they get their own membership card with access to RAC’s great benefits and discounts. For more fun activities and to join RAC Little Legends Club® for free, visit rac.com.au/puzzles

Join the dots

Complete the picture of Jack being safe in the car.

24 25

22 21

26 19

28 1

29 14

13 3 6

5 8

11 9

December-January 2021 / Horizons

YO U R R A C

Word find

When is your Little Legend ready to use an adult seat belt? While the minimum age at which a child can legally transition to an adult seat belt is seven, keeping your child in a booster seat or restraint offers better protection as long as they have not outgrown it.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re heading out on a family road trip these school holidays, you might come across some of these items on your journey. CARAVAN COW FARM

HORSE PARK POLICE CAR

STOP SIGN TRAIN TRUCK

Q V Q W I Q A N V I G V O K U A Z I C S P O L I C E C A R T E S R O H U R R Y O Word scramble K G J M C A R T W P Unscramble the four words below S I R P V O A T B S to discover the magic word. B A C A R Y W F I I F Y N F K J K Q C G THEMLE Unscramble the 4 words below to discover the magic word. .drow cigaA m eh P A R K N M B Lt reNvocsid ot w THEMLE S H R N T S E D X R

Word scramble

elbmar

SLEHEW

6 SCGNISRO

SCGNISRO

2 2 ADRO

3 3

ARDO

7 7

Magic word: Magic word: 1

Answers: Helmet, Wheels, Crossing, Road. Magic word: Scooter

Horizons / December-January 2021

Helmet, Whe 55

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Save on outdoor cinema tickets That’s the power of membership RAC members get the cheapest adult tickets, family bundles, and food and beverage vouchers at Telethon Community Cinemas. Enjoy a range of blockbusters, family films, and classics this season. 100% of profits go to WA children’s charities.

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Save 5%* on WA’s superfast internet That’s the power of membership Members save 5%* each month on Pentanet internet services. Simply join online and enter your RAC member number in the customer portal to start saving today!

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# The major prize for the Retravision 24 days of Christmas promotion is a Nissan JUKE Ti, petrol 1.0 litre DOHC Turbocharged in-line 3-cylinder with standard features in Fuji Sunset Red and covered by a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty, more particularly described at https://www.nissan.com.au/vehicles/browse-range/juke/specs-and-prices.html. The Vehicle is currently valued at $40,408 drive away when delivered in Western Australia. *Available to all valid RAC Members when a valid RAC membership card is displayed in-store or used online. Discount not applicable to the following brands which are excluded from the RAC member offering including but not limited to: Asko, AEG, Falcon, Falmec, Gaggenau, La Germania, Miele, Speed Queen and Neff. Retravision acts as an agent for these brands and isn't permitted to offer a discount or bonus. Discount applies to products only and does not apply to installation services. WH82948

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Horizons / December-January 2021

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THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR RAC MEMBERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Whether you’re planning a staycation or hitting the open roads this holiday season, Repco has got you covered. With lower prices on over 20,000 products we stock including oil filters, brake pads, oil and car care, Repco has everything you need to get your vehicle holiday-ready. Or if you’re looking for the perfect gift, Repco has something for everyone on your list with our huge range of dash cams, tools, 4x4 accessories and heaps more. As an RAC member enjoy an everyday 5% discount on almost everything. Shop now @repco.com.au.

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WATER BORES WATER BORES WATER BORES

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RAC members RAC RAC members members pay $4,000 lower-lying Perth suburbs) lower-lying lower-lying Perth Perth suburbs) suburbs) • Tier one multi-stage stainless steel pay $4,000•• Tier pay pay$4,000 $4,000 22 • Tier onesubmersible multi-stage Tierone one multi-stage multi-stage

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More RAC bore reticulation • existing Plumbed •• Plumbed Plumbed to to existing to existing More More More RAC RAC bore bore packaged &RAC bore reticulation reticulation reticulation • Your stainless steel pump packaged & packaged packaged & & depths available be •invisible, deep steel pump Your stainless •• Your Yourwill stainless stainless steel steel pump pump depths available depths depths available available beneath the deep ground. – Ask us today! will be invisible, deep will willbe be invisible, invisible, deep beneath the ground. – Ask us today!beneath beneaththe theground. ground. ––Ask Askus ustoday! today! Call for a quote on 9246 0111 Troy 0408 454 David 0499 2480111 562 | PERTH0111 METRO Call foron a quote on 9246 Call Callfor fora130 aquote quote on 9246 9246 0111

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Having Diﬃculty on the Stairs? 31/01/21 Valid to 30/09/20 30/11/20

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25/3/20 4:17 pm

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» Members receive a free lift phone valued at $200 December-January 2021 / Horizons

Contact us The Royal Automobile Club of WA (INC) 832 Wellington Street, West Perth GPO Box C140, Perth WA 6839 tel: 13 17 03 rac.com.au Member Service Centres – Metropolitan Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade. Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. West Perth (Head Office) 832 Wellington St.

Terms & conditions Car Doctor, page 51 Entrants may submit more than one entry. Up to three entrants (winners) will be awarded only one prize as follows: one $50 fuel voucher to use in one transaction at any Puma Energy location Australia-wide. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, telephone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/January 2021 Horizons must claim their prize by 6 January 2021. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.

Winning Letter, page 9 Entrants may submit more than one entry. One entrant (winner) will be awarded only one prize as follows: a year’s Classic Roadside Assistance valued at $183. If the winner already has Roadside Assistance, the Classic Roadside Assistance will be applied as credit to their account until their cover runs out. Entries that do not, in the absolute discretion of the panel of judges, comply with these requirements are invalid. The winner will be notified by email, phone or letter. When the winner is notified of their prize they will also be provided details as to the collection of their prize. Entrants published in December/January 2021 Horizons must claim their prize by 6 January 2021. In the event that no contact details are supplied, or RAC cannot make contact with the winner, the prize may be withdrawn at the absolute discretion of Horizons magazine. Prizes will only be awarded following winner validation and verification. This competition is subject to the promoter’s privacy and security statement and group privacy policy.

Member Service Centres – Regional Albany 110 Albany Hwy. Bunbury Shop 32, Stirling Centre, Stephen St. Geraldton Shop 8, Stirlings Central SC, 54 Sanford St. Kalgoorlie 51-53 Hannan St. Travel Centres Applecross Shop 2, 14-16 Riseley St. tel: 1300 657 681 Carousel Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel, 1382 Albany Hwy. tel: 9365 4700 Dianella Shop 20, Dianella Plaza, 360/366 Grand Promenade. tel: 6466 2300 Joondalup Shop T31, Lakeside Joondalup SC, 420 Joondalup Drive. tel: 9308 1600 Mandurah Shop SP037, Halls Head Central, 14 Guava Way. tel: 6150 6456 West Perth 832 Wellington St. tel: 9436 4830

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Horizons / December-January 2021

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YO U R R A C

Ten best

Do you have an idea for The 10 Best? Send your suggestions to editor@rac.com.au

(and biggest) impact craters in WA Woodleigh, 120 km The meteorite that hit this site near Shark Bay around 364 million years ago created what is now considered one of the biggest impact craters in Australia. It is also among the biggest in the world, though the crater itself is not exposed at the surface. An extremely rare mineral known as reidite was found buried in the Woodleigh crater in 2018.

Shoemaker, 30 km The Shoemaker impact crater, formerly known as the Teague crater, is northeast of Wiluna and was formed after an extraterrestrial impact event 1.63 billion years ago, according to the Earth Impact Database. It was renamed Shoemaker after planetary scientist Dr Eugene Shoemaker, who sadly died in a vehicle crash after a trip to the site in 1997.

Spider, 13 km This site was so named because, from the air, rock ridges in the crater have a spider-like shape. The crater is estimated to have been formed some 600 to 900 million years ago. This was a period during which the Earth is believed to have gone through a series of ice ages. The crater is near the Mount Barnett Roadhouse in the Kimberley region.

Yallalie Basin, 13 km Located between Moora and Badgingarra in the Wheatbelt, the impact date of the Yallalie Basin crater is estimated to be between 83 to 89 million years ago. Petrol company Ampol came across the crater in 1990 during oil exploration. The surface of the crater is buried.

ABOVE: Wolfe Creek meteorite crater.

Connolly Basin, 9 km

Wolfe Creek, 0.88 km

This shallow crater in a remote region in the Gibson Desert is located near an off-road track 167km north of the Gunbarrel Highway. The floor of the crater is 25 to 39m below the rim. The impact was believed to have occurred during the Paleogene age which began around 65 million years ago. It was first recogonised as an impact crater in 1985.

Although nowhere near the biggest in WA, the Wolfe Creek crater is one of the best known, made infamous by the film Wolfe Creek. It is estimated to be less than 300,000 years old and the meteorite that created it would have weighed about 50,000 tonnes. Wolfe Creek Crater National Park is 145km from Halls Creek in the Kimberley region.

Piccaninny, 7 km

Located in the Canning Basin in the Great Sandy Desert, Veevers is a relatively small crater but its structure is considered one of the most well preserved of all the Earth’s impact craters. Although small in diameter, the meteorite that struck the ground here is estimated to have weighed up to 1000 tonnes

The Piccaninny crater is located in the Purnululu National Park and is within the Bungle Bungle Range. The meteorite that caused the crater is estimated to have impacted the Earth less than 360 million years ago. It can be seen during scenic flights over the Range.

Goat Paddock, 5.1 km Found approximately 100km southwest of Halls Creek, this crater contains lake sediments from the Eocene age which began approximately 56 million years ago. The shape of impact craters are defined as being either ‘simple’ or ‘complex’ and Goat Paddock, with its relatively steep crater walls, sits somewhere in between.

Veevers, 0.07 km

Snelling, 0.029 km Estimated to be around 5000 years old, Snelling is a small impact crater near Wolf Creek in the Kimberley region. The crater is difficult to see from the surface and relatively shallow. It’s located on Carranya Station and was named after the former owners of the station. (km = crater diameter)

December-January 2021 / Horizons

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