Motoring May 22, 2020
911 Targa 4S
P
orsche completes its sports car trio in time for summer: following on from the Coupé and Cabriolet, the third body variant of the new 911 generation now makes its debut with the all-wheel drive 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S models. The distinguishing feature of the Targa remains its innovative, fully automatic roof system and, just like the legendary original Targa model from 1965, it features a characteristic wide roll hoop, a movable roof section above the front seats and a wraparound rear window. The roof can be comfortably opened and closed in just 19 seconds. It is powered by a six-cylinder, three-litre boxer engine with twin turbochargers: the 911 Targa 4 now delivers 283 kW (385 PS) and, in combination with the optional Sport Chrono package, accelerates from
zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds – one tenth faster than before. The engine in the 911 Targa 4S boasts 331 kW (450 PS) and reaches the 100 km/h mark in just 3.6 seconds under the same conditions – four tenths faster than its predecessor. Top speed of the 911 Targa 4 is 289 km/h (up two km/h), while the 4S peaks at 304 km/h (up three km/h). Both sports cars are fitted with eightspeed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) as standard to deliver maximum driving pleasure. Alternatively, the 911 Targa 4S can be ordered with the newly developed seven-speed manual gearbox, with which the Sport Chrono package is included. New technology has also been integrated to extend the range of features for both
911 models and, for the first time, Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control, is available. Thanks to the enhanced Smartlift function, ground clearance can be programmed so that it is raised for everyday use. The list of options is supplemented by an extensive range from Porsche Tequipment and new personalisation options from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. Porsche will further extend the combination of traditional style elements, timeless design and cutting-edge technology in a special edition of the 911 Targa, which will make its debut in June. Like the 911 Carrera models, both 911 Targa variants profit from the increase in power provided by the turbocharged three-litre six-cylinder boxer engines.
Both performance and everyday usability benefit as a result. The engine in the 911 Targa 4 produces 283 kW (385 PS) at 6500 rpm, which is 11 kW (15 PS) more than its predecessor. Maximum torque of 450 newton metres is delivered across a wide engine speed range of between 1950 and 5000 rpm. With 331 kW (450 PS), the 911 Targa 4S delivers 22 kW (30 PS) more output than its predecessor and generates maximum torque of 530 Nm (up 30 Nm) between 2300 and 5000 rpm. The enhanced performance of the new all-wheel drive models goes hand-in-hand with further development of the front-axle drive. Overall, the enhanced front-axle drive with PTM (Porsche Traction Management) contributes to even better traction in all road conditions.
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Friday, May 22, 2020
23
Refinement and style
S
urprises are continuous in this currently topsy-turvy world. For example, according to the Motor Industry Association stats, Kia lead the NZ sales for passenger vehicles/SUVs for April. The interestingly-named Seltos LX, which is the smallest, most affordable SUV in their line-up, and as featured today, is a major contributor to those stats. There’s little doubt one attraction was the very sharp introductory price of $25,990 (now $27,990 +ORCs) for this smart looking SUV, whose length of just under 4.4 metres (its shorter than the Sportage) means its classed as being a ‘compact’ SUV. In saying that it not only looks bigger than it is, but then delivers with very good space inside. Both the front and back seats offer comfortable accommodation and generous space for ‘any’-sized persons, but as for many vehicles, two in the back will be most comfortable. Another enticing feature is the efficient 2-litre petrol engine, which runs on the Atkinson cycle. While this means it focuses more on fuel economy rather than performance, it still delivers in a suitably spritely manner. There’s decent mid-range torque, and being mated up with the latest in CVT- like autos makes it very easy to drive, both in and out of town. This impressive auto, which Kia calls
Roger Hart ROAD TEST
an IVT (intelligent variable transmission) has chain rather than belt drive, and with eight steps responds both quickly and smoothly. When needed, perhaps on hills or for drivers wanting the quickest possible responses, the easily selected Sport mode means standstill to 100kmh can be achieved in less than 10 seconds. While Kia reckons on an overall 6.8L/100km, the trip computer for an Ashburton-to-Christchurch drive showed 5.9L/100km. The slightly firm nature of the McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, which means very tidy, predictable handling and minimal body movement through corners, only really shows in the ride on the likes of that really bumpy section of Middle Road between Belt and Creek roads. Otherwise a very comfortable ride prevails. Quiet too, with only some tyre noise on the coarsest chip. It’s not only easy to get in and out of thanks to the higher placed seating and
wide opening doors, but also quick for the driver to manually set up his/her desired driving position. Then they can survey the array of user-friendly controls, dials, switches and infotainment functions. Most of the latter happen via the practical 8.0-inch touchscreen. This includes a multimedia display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and clear reversing camera. You can also check on a wide range of vehicle data, including tyre pressures. But, reflecting the LX’s sharp pricing, there’s old school-like key in the ignition, rather than keyless entry/start, manual climate air-con, no sat-nav, some blanked off switch spaces and standard rather than adaptive cruise. If you want these, plus some extra driver assist/safety and other features, then you’ll need to upgrade to the $35,990 LX Plus, an EX or even perhaps a Limited. The LX’s safety package includes lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, AEB, hill start assist, six airbags and rear parking distance warning. As well there’s plenty of room for holiday gear, as there’s a two-level floor in the luggage area with a space saver spare below. This will hold up to 468 litres with the seats up, increasing to 1428 litres with them folded. Later in the year I’ll be looking forward to driving a top-of-the-range AWD Limited version with the 130kW/265Nm turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed dual-clutch auto.
KIA SELTOS LX ■■ Pricing: $27,99. LX-Plus is $35,990, the EX $37,990, 2.0-litre Limited $42,990 and the AWD Limited 1.6 Turbo $46,990. (all plus on-road costs) ■■ Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol 110kW @ 6200rpm and 180Nm @ 4500rpm ■■ Transmission: eight -step CVT auto, frontwheel drive ■■ Claimed overall fuel use: 6.8L/100km ■■ Size: Length-4370mm. Width-1800mm. Wheelbase-2630mm. ■■ Turning circle: 10.6 m. ■■ Tows: 500kg unbraked/1100kg (braked) ■■ Warranty: 5years-100,000 ks ■■ Safety: 5-Star ANCAP expected.
FINALE For the many who appreciate the high-riding comfort and convenience of an SUV for mainly on-road duties there’s now just so many good choices around the $30 to $35k mark. But with this 2-litre Seltos LX offering such a great combination of style, space, refinement, frugality and $$ value it may be hard to look past this offering from Kia!
Kia Seltos LX
24 2
Farming Motoring
Friday, May 22, 2020
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Electric pony production delay F ord’s new anti-hero, the 2021 Mustang Mach-E electric compact crossover, looks set to join the queue of new cars across the world that have been delayed as a result of Covid-19. The Mach-E is one of three key Fords in the US to have been hit by the pandemic, following confirmation of the F-150’s production being pushed back last week, and news that the 2021 Bronco off-roader would be implicated, too. The news stems from a report by Bloomberg, which details claims made by Ford head of product development Hau Thai-Tang in a Bank of America analysts’ conference. “Given our inability to work in the assembly plants during the shelterin-place restrictions, it will have an impact to programme timing, in terms of the launches,” he said. “But we expect the launch delays to be commensurate with the duration of the shutdown period.” While production looks set to be delayed, Thai-Tang said that he hopes to not have “any additional delay to these launches beyond the impact of Covid-19.” Conversely, Ford still expects to release the Bronco and Mach-E to the market on their originally planned dates. Those dates are rumoured to be late 2020 for the electrified Mustang, and next year for the Bronco.
As you might expect, the Mach-E’s storyline has been interesting to follow. After drawing ire from some Mustang faithful at launch, pre-orders picked up quickly.
After less than a month, it had ‘sold out’ online. Those holding their breath for either to land in New Zealand best keep doing so. There’s been no word yet on whether
either will be exported to Australia or New Zealand, although it has been confirmed that right-hand drive Mach-E variants are expected to come.
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