Motoring June 5, 2020
HOT HATCH focused on performance
T
he new-generation Ford Focus ST, developed under the leadership of Ford Performance, brings New Zealanders the most advanced, capable Focus ST to date with more power and technology. Based on the new-generation Focus’ C2 platform, the Focus ST is now offered with an automatic transmission for the first time. In addition to expanded Selectable Drive Modes, there’s new technology including Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), an electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD), and 2.3L turbocharged engine. “The new seven speed auto with paddleshift opens the doors for so many new customers,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand. “Combined with the Fiesta ST for 2020, the Focus ST completes a full suite of Ford Performance hot hatches available in New Zealand. The Focus ST builds on the innovation and tech leadership of the new-generation Focus, which was named
NZ AutoCar’s Car of the Year and AA & Driven’s Overall Car of the Year for 2019. “It delivers a highly capable, exhilarating yet very liveable performance hatch.” The Focus ST is imported from Germany and now on sale in New Zealand with an RRP of $59,4901. The New Focus ST takes the advanced C2 platform of the new Focus, NZ AutoCar’s Car of the Year and AA and Driven’s Overall Car of the Year 2019, as a foundation to offer greater cabin space, cargo capacity as well as dynamic capability based upon a platform that delivers a 20 per cent increase in torsional rigidity over the outgoing model. Immediately apparent, an aggressive stance is achieved with 19-inch machined alloy wheels, fitted with 235/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, with suspension that lowers ride height by 10mm over the standard Focus model. The Focus ST’s larger front and rear brake components are clearly visible, standing out with red brake calipers that
clamp larger 330mm front and 302mm rear ventilated discs. A new electronic brake booster improves brake pedal feel, while braking performance was verified using the same demanding test procedures as the Ford GT supercar, and saw almost four-times the fade resistance performance of the previous generation Focus ST in testing. The Focus ST also boasts a honeycomb front grille, with LED adaptive headlight and taillights featuring LED Daytime Running Lights, with unique bumpers incorporating LED fog lamps and sculpted side-skirts producing a muscular look. There’s also exterior colour options chosen to emphasise the Focus ST’s dynamic styling including exclusive Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury, alongside Frozen White, Magnetic (grey), Race Red, and Agate Black. The attention to detail continues inside the Focus ST. The heated Recaro sports seats are trimmed in leather and suede, with larger bolsters for improved lateral
support during cornering, and feature ST logos, with lumbar support on the driver’s seat. The new all-aluminium 2.3-litre, turbocharged powertrain is the most potent ever offered in a Focus ST. Using advanced turbocharging technology to deliver 206kW5of power at 5500 rpm – an increase of 22kW over the previous Focus ST – and a significant jump in torque, from 360Nm previously to 420Nm, it is also the most free-revving Focus ST engine yet. Engine response is enhanced using a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger. An electronically actuated waste-gate allows closer control of boost pressures for optimised engine performance. In addition, a unique exhaust system that reduces back pressure, bespoke air intake system and optimised intercooler further improve breathing. The new seven-speed paddleshift automatic will complement the rewarding, engaging and sporty 2.3-litre engine’s driving experience.
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Friday, June 5, 2020
19
Subaru with X factor
O
ver the long weekend, the hills and lakes were certainly alive to the sounds of so many people of all ages enjoying what the readily accessible delights our hinterland offers. For example the Mt Sunday carpark was overflowing and the walking track to the trig-station constantly busy, when we visited as part of a back-country drive in Subaru’s latest addition to its Outback range, the 2.5i X. The additional X means this one is ready for even more adventures as it gets the same additional, selectable dual function X-Mode with settings for deep-snow and mud that the latest Forester has. But, of course, with the Outback built to tackle serious off-road tracks anyway, there was absolutely no need to select either of the X-modes for the drive to the gates of Erewhon. So other surroundings were later sought, in the absence of both deep snow or mud, to check out how well the additional driver activated X mode maximised low speed traction. Which it does, depending on conditions, by constantly adjusting the traction available to each wheel. The 215 mm ground clearance and decent approach/departure angles are enough to go off road without having to think too much about it when using the benefits of this technology. Do this and it will get to places (and back from these) that most of us may not be brave enough to repeat! The Outback range continues to be Sub-
aru NZ’s best seller. For those not overly familiar with them, they’re more like a larger (it’s 4.8 metres long) higher-riding, five-seat station wagon. There’s now a four-model range – three in either X, Sport or Premium specification with the four cylinder, 129kW/235Nm, 2.5litre Boxer petrol and seven-step Lineatronic CVT. The fourth is the 3.6R Premium, whose 3.6-litre six cylinder Boxer petrol engine delivers 191kW and 350Nm of torque. Looks-wise this X version mainly distinguishes itself from its siblings with black 18” alloy wheels (dusty as pictured) with sensible 225/60 R18 Bridgestone Dueller tyres, black front grille and mirrors. The collective opinion being that it looks the part with these, its stance, integrated roof rails and body mouldings. Then in keeping with its expected rugged use, the roomy and well appointed cabin has green-stitched, water-repellent seat fabric, which as well being pleasing to sit upon and longer distance comfortable, allows the heaters in the power adjustable front seats to work very quickly. Four larger adults are very comfortably accommodated, and while sitting higher with very good views to the wider world, it’s more car than SUV-like. There’s plenty of features including a large touch-screen with sat-nav, an electronic sunroof, front, rear and lefthand side cameras (great for tight parks) and keyless entry plus the excellent, camera based EyeSight system with its array of driver assist and safety features.
Roger Hart ROAD TEST
These include adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking control, lane keep assist/departure warning and more, most of which remain out of sight and out of mind until needed. Opening the powered tail-gate reveals a 512-litre luggage space (plenty of space for the golf gear Perry!) which expands to over 1800 litres with rear seats folded. The plastic protection strips on luggage space floor however are slippery. There’s is a full size spare below. The proven 2.5-litre Boxer delivers 129kW. It has a suitably flat torque curve peaking at 235Nm at 4000rpm, meaning the performance is reassuringly solid rather than racy, with the smooth and responsive Lineartronic CVT delivering the engines power in a step-less band. At open road 100km/h cruise the engine sits at just 1500 rpm. That reflects in its decently frugal fuel-wise nature, with the claimed overall figure of 7.3L/100km able to be bettered on the likes of a Christchurch trip. Then on all surfaces you get a smooth, big vehicle-like ride, thanks to the long travel, very absorbent suspension which so
efficiently, soaks up bumps, pot holes and corrugations. Add to this the benefits of the combination of the directional steering, the constant all-wheel-drive system together with the grip from the Bridgestone tyres (they’re quiet on rough seal with great in slippery stuff). The result, even without selecting X mode you get excellent all-round, all-conditions handling, especially so on loose shingle where it inspires confidence and stays on-line through corners with the traction /stability systems performing seamlessly.
SUBARU OUTBACK X ■■ Pricing: $49,990. (plus ORCs). ■■ Engine: 2.5-litre 4 cylinder petrol, 129kW @ 5800rpm and 235Nm of torque@4000rpm. ■■ Transmission: 7-step Lineartronic CVT with sport and X modes - paddle shift – full time all-wheel-drive. ■■ Quoted Economy: 7.3L/100km. ■■ Safety: 7 air bags - Eyesight driver assist/ safety technology package. 5-star ANCAP rating. ■■ Size: 4820mm long, 1840mm wide, 1675mm high, 2745mm wheelbase. ■■ Tows: 1500 (braked) ■■ Kerb to kerb turning circle: 11.0 metres. ■■ Warranty: Three year, unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance.
FINALE With this Outback’s space, safety, versatility together with its fine blend of road manners and X adventure capability, you can take the long road home or a rough shortcut – the choice is yours! Whichever – it feels both so secure and predictable that it has the inherent capability of flattering even less adventurous drivers! But then if the Outback is a bit larger than you want, take a look at the smaller 2-litre XV, which will, as for the Forester, soon be available as a hybrid.
Outback 2.5i X
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