Motoring January 24, 2020
DETAILS
P23
22 Ashburton Guardian
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Friday, January 24, 2020
Elegantly sporty
W
hile SUVs and utes dominated new vehicle sales throughout 2019, it was great to both see and appreciate, the array of smart, great driving hatches and cars that also arrived. The list included this sleek-looking Peugeot 508 GT lift-back, which exudes definite touches of style, sporting elegance and refinement, not only in the way looks both outside and within, but in the way it drives. But of course its what it can do that really counts. In this respect the proof is as they say in the pudding, for this 508 was one of the ten 2019 Car of the Year finalists. For starters, its performance is such that it can be hard to convince passengers that the turbo-petrol engine is just 1.6 litres. Especially with the way the 8-speed auto keeps the engine working in its most effective range and so makes full use of the 300Nm of torque available, which shows with the swift acceleration (0-100km in 7.3 seconds) and quick overtaking. Then with the engine sitting at just 1800rpm while cruising at a constant 100km/h, the claimed combined fuel economy is 5.7L/100Km. That economy is helped out of course by its slippery shape (the Cd is just 0.26) and the strong but light new platform, with lots of aluminium used (front mudguards, bonnet and hatch) keeping the weight
Roger Hart ROAD TEST
down to around1500kg. There’s four selectable driving modes which alter the engine/gearbox responses, the suspension and the steering to suit your driving desires, mood, and/or the conditions. So there’s lots to appreciate from within the particularly smart, cockpit-styled cabin, which has a real sense of occasion and sporty ambience with its high quality trim materials and pleasing attention to detail in the fit and finish. It’s a nice place to be! This 4.6-metre long 508 sits low, so getting in and out is a totally different for those used to an SUV, especially for rear passengers with the sloping roof requiring them to duck their heads. But this was never a problem. The black leather front seats not only look good but proved to be well-shaped for both everyday and sporty driving. As well as being heated, they have selectable, rather delightful massage functions.
Then there’s the excellent dash and controls, from which you view and use from behind the sculpted steering wheel. There’s a wide centre touchscreen, with large easy to use alternative controls for switching between the screens. Sitting directly above said steering wheel, and in direct line of sight are the speedo and rev-counter. The format of these can be easily changed to show just digital speed, sat-nav directions etc. Harking back to the drive modes, whichever of these is selected means the well-controlled suspension (McPherson strut front, multi-link rear) comes up with sharp, nimble handling and excellent cornering. Plus, there’s tenacious grip from the wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, which were also suitably quiet on rough chip. Meanwhile, the ride delivered is an excellent compromise between firmness and compliance, depending on your selection. The brakes of course match the cars sporty potential. For touring there’s 487 litres of luggage space, which is easily accessed via the powered hatch. With back seats lowered, 1537 litres can be stowed. Last but certainly not least, the 508 comes with strong safety credentials through being loaded with active safety and driver assistance technology including active cruise control.
PEUGEOT 508 GT ■■ Pricing: $55,990 (plus ORCs) ■■ Engine: 1.6-litre, 4 cylinder turbo-petrol. 169kW@5500rpm and 300Nm@2500rpm ■■ Transmission: 8-speed auto-front-wheeldrive. ■■ Quoted Economy: 5.7L/100km. ■■ Turning Circle: 10.8metres ■■ Tows: 745kg un-braked, 1600kg braked. ■■ Safety: Comprehensive driver assist/ safety packages.- 5 star ANCAP rating expected ■■ Warranty: 3 year warranty and roadside assistance package.
FINALE This great looking, sporty hatch, which is large enough to comfortably seat four, not only impressed with its quality and ability to be an involving and enjoyable driver’s car, but it also so easily slotted into being a very easy everyday drive. Oh yes - if a bit more luggage space is needed there’s also an equally good looking 508 GT wagon.
Peugeot 508 GT
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Friday, January 24, 2020
Ashburton Guardian 23
Jeep’s rock star
J
eep’s new Gladiator is the first Jeep factory-designed and built pickup truck – or ute to us Kiwis – for 18 years, and it was launched to the international media in Central Otago. That meant spectacular driving roads and scenery, some proper off-roading – and a fleet of 20 Gladiators fresh from the factory with their steering wheels on the wrong side. There’s a touch of the surreal about the Gladiator anyway. Yes, it’s a ute in roughly the same segment as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. But it’s also the world’s only convertible pickup truck; more than that, one where you can also fold down the windscreen and remove the doors. So don’t expect any work-trucky versions. Like Jeep’s last pickup, the Cherokee-based Comanche from 1986-92, this is all about highend lifestyle. Jet skis, beach parties and definitely cappucinos in the city. As you might surmise from the pictures,
Gladiator is mostly Wrangler from the B-pillar forward (including the dashboard). But it’s unique from there back, including a more sophisticated five-link rear suspension system that owes a lot to the Ram 1500. It’s big. The wheelbase is 479mm longer than Wrangler, it’s 691mm longer overall … and more interestingly, 175mm longer tip-to-tail than a Ranger. Gladiator is not quite as adept off-road as a Wrangler, thanks to that rear overhang (departure angle drops 3 degrees to 26deg, for example). But it’s still staggeringly capable in the rough and the gap isn’t massive unless you’re a true “Jeeper” who wants the ultimate off-roader. Gladiator gets the same 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine as the Wrangler, matched to a slick eight-speed automatic transmission. Final NZ specification isn’t decided, but expect at least the choice of Overland or Rubicon specification: the former for a more comfort-oriented experience, the latter for serious rock-hopping.
Want to see lots of lovely old and not quite so old vehicles before they take off on a Rally? Well then, head over to 86 Maronon Road on Saturday morning, where Vintage Car Club members will be departing on their 51st Annual Rally. Get there around 9.30am to get a close-up look before the first car leaves at 10.00am.
Gluyas Motor Group Chris Hart Vehicle Sales Manager Mob 027 439 0887
Ray McLaren Vehicle Sales Mob 027 602 3311
Adam Banks Vehicle Sales Mob 027 312 0028
www.gluyasford.nz
3
79 Kermode Street (03) 307 5800
24 Ashburton Guardian
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Friday, January 24, 2020
Porsche - adding to the driving experience
P
orsche is adding two distinctly sporty and high specification models to its mid-engine sports car range: the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. The new two-seaters are powered by a 294 kW (400 PS) four-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, similar to that used in the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4. When combined with the manual six-speed transmission and sports exhaust system, this results in exceptional power delivery and a particularly rewarding driving experience. It achieves the sprint to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 293 km/h. Thanks to standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension, as well as a 20 millimetre lower ride height and Porsche Torque Vectoring with mechanical limited slip rear differential, the new generation of GTS achieves a remarkable balancing act between dynamic handling and everyday comfort. The standard Sport Chrono package with upgraded Porsche Track Precision App also emphasises the
athletic character of the mid-engine sports cars. Black contrasting design elements and a dark Alcantara® interior create highlights typical of GTS models. As with the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4, the powerful four-litre engine is characterised by exceptional efficiency. Adaptive cylinder control that alternately switches off one of the two cylinder banks at low loads, direct fuel injection with piezo injectors and a variable intake system also contribute to the car’s efficiency. The GTS engine also impresses with its superior power reserves and immediate response characteristics. It effortlessly revs to 7800 rpm and, thanks to the standard sports exhaust system with dynamic damper control, also enjoys the acoustic advantages of the rich six-cylinder boxer engine sound. The 718 GTS 4.0 models adopt the twin tailpipe sports exhaust system with integrated gasoline particulate filter from the 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4. The price of the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 starts at $176,700 & Boxster GTS 4.0 at $178,700 with first deliveries expected in the third quarter of 2020.
• • •
Latest facelift 15,000km 2.8L Turbo Diesel
HILUX STOCK CLEARANCE!! SOLD 2010 TOYOTA Hilux SR5 4WD Manual • 3.0L Turbo Diesel • Cruise Control & Bluetooth • Nudge Bar & Tow Bar WAS $31,495
$
2005 TOYOTA Hilux SR5 4WD Manual • 3.0L Turbo Diesel • Alloys & CD Player • Nudge Bar & Tow Bar
NOW ONLY
29,995
$
NOW ONLY
29,995
$136 p/w - total repayable $35,433.36*
NOW ONLY
25,995
$
12 Month Mechanical Warranty FREE !!
2016 TOYOTA Hilux SR 2WD Auto • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Bluetooth & CD Player • Cruise Control & Reversing Camera WAS $30,995
SOLD
2016 TOYOTA Hilux SR 2WD Auto • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Alloys & Reversing Camera • Tonneau Cover & Towbar WAS $30,995
NOW ONLY
29,995
$
$136 p/w - total repayable $35,433.36*
2012 TOYOTA Hilux SR5 4WD Auto • 3.0L Turbo Diesel • Canopy & Nudge Bar • Super Tidy !!
2018 TOYTOTA HILUX SR Single Cab • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Flat Deck & Tow Bar • Bullbar & Side Rails
WAS $28,995
NOW ONLY
27,995
$
2017 TOYOTA Hilux SR5 4WD Auto • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Alloys & Reversing Camera • Tri-fold Lid & Towbar WAS $40,995
NOW ONLY
39,995
$
$181 p/w - total repayable $47,068.74*
42,995
$
2018 TOYOTA Hilux SR5 4WD Auto • 2.8L Turbo Diesel • Facelift Model • 18” Alloys & Hard Lid WAS $49,995
$
*Terms & Conditions apply.
Andrew Rattray Parts Manager
Eddie Bakos Vehicle Consultant Cell No. 027 450 7544
Pam Mcllwrick Service
Robin McClimont Vehicle Consultant Cell No. 027 486 7546
NOW ONLY
48,495
New Vehicle Warranty For Another 20 Months
*Subject to Toyota Financial Services lending criteria. Weekly Classic Finance repayments calculated with a 10% deposit over a 60 month term at 10.75% p.a. with a $400 establishment fee and $9.20 PPRS fee. Will Hayde Branch Manager
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