Down and dirty with the legendary Subaru WRX PA G E 2
Issue 006
July/2018
CARS • BIKES • 4WD CARAVANS • MARINE EQUIPMENT & TOOLS
FREE
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
2
SWITCHING GEARS Tasmania - Issue 006 July 2018 Switching Gears is a Tasmanian Catalogues’ publication. Tasmanian Catalogues is part of MMG. All submissions remain property of Switching Gears catalogue.
July/2018
Down and dirty with the legendary
Subaru WRX Written by Lance Skelton
All content is copyright to Switching Gears and cannot be reproduced in whole or partially without written authorisation of the publishers.
Editor
Ian McInerney
Design Silvo Simao
Layout Development Nat Newman Laura Burns Kirsty Gray
Advertising
Vik Vadiveloo Emma Bennett Scott Hayes Rick Bennett Bella Windfeld-Petersen
Writers
Lance Skelton Mollly Baxter
Subaru WRX, the legendary “Rex’s”
News
Vik Vadiveloo Silvo Simao
switchinggears.com.au
Advertising
To advertise in Switching Gears call MMG at: 6281 2650 or 0419 188 420
Grunt, attitude and performance. Would you expect anything less from a Subaru WRX?
News
Submit your press releases and images to the appropriate editor for consideration. info@tasmaniancatalogues.com.au
Index SUBARU WRX CARS AUSTRALIANS & CAR DEALERS
02 04 12
No other vehicle has assumed legendary status with hardcore driving enthusiasts quite like the Subaru WRX. The ‘Rex’s’ tough as nails, quick as lightning reputation was forged decades ago by world champion rally drivers including Colin McRae, Richard Burns, Possum Bourne and Petter Soldberg. There’s some incredible footage on Youtube of McRae hurtling along some of the toughest and most unforgiving dirt roads in the mid 1990’s, always covered in mud, and very often airborne as he drives to another thrilling
victory. (In fact, it’s one of the most iconic images of any vehicle ever taken). Subaru and Colin McRae won their first World Rally Championship in 1995. Subaru would go on to win the Manufacturers’ Championship three times in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and the Drivers’ Championship three times, in 1995, 2001 and 2003. It’s the sort of performance that becomes locked away in the minds of young men and women who love the thrill of driving, even if it means you can’t actually afford to buy one until a decade or so later.
No other vehicle has assumed legendary status like the WRX. Believe it or not, it’s more than 25 years since Japan gave birth to a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sedan that would become an instant cult performance car. Since then, a lot has happened in terms of technology, safety features, and driver comfort that has found its way into the latest WRX, and the vast majority is very cool.
What you’ll find in the 2018 WRX model. The 2018 WRX model is every bit as adrenalin-pumping as you’d expect, and is further enhanced by some world class safety features that will come in handy should the beast on wheels ever get the better of you on the road. Essentially, the WRX is a high performance variant of the regular Impreza sedan, and has a turbocharged Boxer engine that produces 268 horsepower, which you’ll never really be able to unleash fully on Tasmanian roads, let’s face it. (But that’s not the point). You know it’s there, and that’s all that matters.
Feel safe behind the wheel and excited at the same time Subaru WRX and WRX STI come loaded with the very latest protective, preventative and predictive safety features. A winning combination of collision protection technology has enabled these two models to achieve the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating. The continuous safety
July/2018
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
3
The WRX, known for its Boxer engine
innovation program undertaken includes seven SRS airbags – dual front, side, curtain-style and driversknee – and a whiplash reducing design, which provides extreme support for a passengers’ head, neck and torso. Tassie roads can get a bit slushy and slippery this time of year, so readers might like this next feature; the legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system has been refined and tweaked on the latest WRX incarnation, and is ready to show off on any winding road or rugged mountain that Tasmania has
Subaru WRX
Rally of Winter Peaks
to offer. The vehicle grips the road with all four wheels, all of the time, giving you double the traction capacity of a two-wheel drive car, greater precision and even more cornering power. The design team at Subaru HQ have also been forward thinking when it comes to reversing. The Subaru WRX and WRX STI has a rear view reverse camera that’s on the display monitor in front of you. In reality, the vast majority of ‘Rex’ drivers will never use it because they can actually drive a car. (It’s really there if the mother-in-law should ever drive the vehicle by mistake).
WRX & WRX STI achieved the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating Another feature on every WRX and WRX STI, is steering responsive headlights. This is where the beams adjust during cornering to light the way before the car is facing there.
How much will it cost?
Rally of Winter Peaks
How much would you expect to pay for an awesome vehicle with
style, attitude and reputation? Well, according to the CarsGuide website, the 2018 WRX and WRX STI line-ups will see price rises between $500 and $1700 impacting several variants. The base WRX model, fitted with a six speed manual gearbox, kicks off the range from $39,240, before on-road costs. However, the WRX variant jumps in price by $1000 to $42,240 when paired with a CVT auto. What’s more,
Subaru WRX STI 2008
the premium versions of the manual and CVT WRX rise by $500 and $1700 to $45,640 and $48,840 respectively. The manual-only WRX STI is $1150 dearer at $50,890, while the premium version retains is around $55,000. If you’ve never driven a WRX before, do yourself a favour and take a test drive of one of the greatest, most thrilling vehicles ever built. (Prices are an estimate and may vary).
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
4
July/2018
JEEP
$29,950
+
+Drive away price on new and demo MY18 Compass Sport Manual vehicles purchased and delivered from participating Jeep dealers between 3 July 2018 and 30 September 2018 unless changed, withdrawn earlier or extended at the discretion of FCA Australia Pty Ltd. Offer valid while stocks last and excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Price includes all on road costs and Colorado red paint. Other colours cost extra. Terms conditions and exclusions apply. ¹ 5yrs or 100,000KM (whichever comes first). ² After warranty period expires. See jeep.com.au for details. © 2018 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
INSERT DEALER NAME HERE
PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES
+
121 Argyle Street, Hobart
hobartfcadealer.com.au
LMCT 3297
6210 7000
Drive away price on new and demo MY18 Compass Sport Manual vehicles purchased and delivered from participating Jeep dealers between 3 July 2018 and 30 September 2018 unless changed, withdrawn earlier or extended at the es. See jeep.com.au for details. © 2018 FCA US LLC. All Rights
Reserved. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
$48,950
^
~Jeep Grand Cherokee has received more awards over its lifetime than any other SUV. ^Drive away price on new and demo MY18 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 Petrol vehicles purchased and delivered from participating Jeep dealers between 3 July 2018 and 30 September 2018 unless changed, withdrawn earlier or extended at the discretion of FCA Australia Pty Ltd. Offer valid while stocks last and excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. Price includes all on road costs and Bright white paint. Other colours cost extra. Terms conditions and exclusions apply. ¹ 5yrs or 100,000KM (whichever comes first). ² After warranty period expires. See jeep.com.au for details. © 2018 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
INSERT DEALER NAME HERE
PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES
6210 7000
~Jeep Grand Cherokee 121 Street, Hobart hobartfcadealer.com.au LMCT 3297 has Argyle received more awards over its lifetime than any other SUV. ^Drive away price on new and demo MY18 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 Petrol vehicles purchased and delivered from participating Jeep dealers Reserved. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
July/2018
5
COMMERCIAL
GREAT UTES. GREAT PRICES. TOP S EC R
RET
TO
EC
RET
TION
*
S
MALL
UCTION
D TAX DE
ES
SM A
BU
DUAL CAB
FREE TRAY^
LL
*
SINES
S
S
BUSIN
TOP
RET
SAVE $2000
SINGLE CAB
SE
CR
SEC
SALE
#
OP
T
EDUC
ET
TOP SEC
TAX D
SAVE $5000
E
T
PS
GREAT WALL CLEARANCE The Great Wall Steed Single and Dual Cabs are simple, tough and reliable which means you can now get more done for less. FREE UPGRADE#
4X4 DIESEL AT THE 4X2 DIESEL PRICE!*
FROM
$24,990
Proven Petrol * or Diesel engines
Bosch ESP 4X2ABS, PETROL and Hill Hold Control DUAL CAB
4x2 DRIVE or Borg AWAY Warner 4x4
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
One Tonne Payload
3 Year Warranty and Roadside Assistance
6 speed manual
NOW FROM ONLY
$22,990
*
NEW SINGLE CAB DIESEL 4X2
DRIVE AWAY
ABN HOLDERS FROM
$18,990
*
DRIVE AWAY
* Metallic Paint $395 only on the single cab. Offer valid for new and demonstrator vehicles ordered and delivered by 30/7/18 or whilst stocks last. # Driveaway price of*Steed $24,990 for either the 4x2 Diesel or 4x4 Diesel. Please ask about further fleet discounts. Tray is for illustration purposes only. Single Cab 4x2 Diesel is $18,990 and Dual Cab 4x2 Petrol is $22,990 for ABN holders drive away. Metallic paint is +$395 for Single Cab and E&OE. Savings areFREE off for the normal prices. eligible per ATO guidelines. Available Dual Cab for adriveaway limited time only. Price is ^For valid until 31/03/18small or whilebusinesses stocks last. ^Trayas is for illustration purposes only. Actual tray mayto private and fleet buyers. differ slightly to the image shown. # For further details visit www.ato.gov.au.
PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES TRADE & SERVICE CENTRE 86 Gormanston Rd Moonah www.performanceautomobiles.com.au
LMCT 3297
6210 7000
CONQUER 2750 55-90 SWB TRUCK • Turbocharger and liquid intercooler • Double circuit hydraulic braking, vacuum assist • ADR 80/03 Emission using Euro 5 • Pressure common rail system Power 90kw@3200rpm • Torque 315Nm/1600-2200 rpm • 3 years/160,000 km warranty • GETRAG standard 6 speed gearbox • Engine Direct injection high • Wheelbase 2750mm • GVW 5500kg • 2.4 T Engine
CHASSIS PRICE
$27,500
*
DRIVE AWAY FOR ABN HOLDERS 2017 COMPLIANCE
*ABN holders only. Does not include tray.
NUMBER 1 JMC DEALER IN AUSTRALIA
CONTACT ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY SALES STAFF TODAY!
STEVE SMITH | 0416 731 948 IAN MARSHALL | 0438 299 950
PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES TRADE & SERVICE CENTRE 86 Gormanston Rd Moonah www.performanceautomobiles.com.au
LMCT 3297
NATHAN FOGARTY
| 0402 628 841
6210 7000
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
6
July/2018
PEUGEOT peugeot.com.au
OVERSEAS MODEL SHOWN
MY18*
5008 ALLURE
46,990
$
DRIVEAWAY^
^
121kW THP engine with 6 speed automatic, 18” alloy wheels, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit - 8” capacitive touchscreen, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit - 12.3” 100% digital head up instrument panel, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit - Compact leathertrimmed steering wheel, MirrorScreen System (MirrorLink®, Android Auto® & Apple Carplay®), Active safety brake (including pedestrian detection), Adaptive cruise control with stop function, Lane departure warning, Driver attention alert, Traffic sign recognition / intelligent speed adaptation, Wireless induction charging plate for compatible smartphones, 3D navigation with vocal recognition, PEUGEOT Open & Go (keyless entry and start), 360° vision reversing camera and front camera, City park (parallel and 90° parking assistance).
Driveaway price includes dealer registration, dealer delivery and government charges. Metallic paint extra cost. Prices may vary between dealers. Excludes fleet and government buyers. Not available with other offers.
PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES 121 Argyle Street
www.performanceautomobiles.com.au
LMCT 3297
6210 7000
NEVER HAS AN SUV GONE SO FAR
NEW PEUGEOT 3008 SUV. TEST DRIVE TODAY.
3008 ACTIVE
DEMONSTRATORS FROM
36,888
$
DRIVEAWAY^
SAVE OVER $ 4,200
OVERSEAS MODEL SHOWN
121kW THP engine with 6 speed automatic, 17’’ Alloy Wheels, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit - 8’’ capacitive touchscreen, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit - 12.3’’ 100% digital head up instrument panel, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit - Compact leather-trimmed steering wheel, MirrorScreen System (MirrorLink®, Android Auto® & Apple Carplay®), 180º reversing camera + front and rear parking sensors, Lane departure warning, Driver attention alert, Traffic sign recognition/ intelligent speed adaption, Wireless induction charging plate for compatible smartphones.
^Driveaway price includes dealer registration, dealer delivery and government charges. Metallic paint at extra cost. Excludes fleet and government buyers. Not available with other offers. *Offer for MY18 Peugeot 3008 Active SUV. Overseas model shown. Whilst stock lasts.
PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES 121 Argyle Street
www.performanceautomobiles.com.au
LMCT 3297
6210 7000
July/2018
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
7
VOLVO
SEIZE THE MOMENTUM
SEIZE THE MOMENTUM
Now’s the time to grab a Volvo V40 T3 Momentum - where style Now’s thecombine time to and technology to make yourV40 driving grab a Volvo T3 experience effortless. Momentum - where style
DRIVEAWAY OFFERS ACROSS THE V40 SERIES FROM
$35,888*
DRIVEAWAY OFFERS ACROSS THE V40 SERIES FROM
and technology combine to make your driving 121 Argyle T 03 6210 7000 LMCT PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES Performance Automobiles St, Hobart performancevolvo.com.au 3297 experience effortless. 121 Argyle Street www.performancevolvo.com.au LMCT 3297
* TBA
*$35,888 is the driveaway price for a V40 T3 Momentum. New stock vehicles only. While stock lasts. Volvo Car Australia reserves the right to change or extend this offer.
WHILE STOCKS LAST
$35,888*
6210 7000
PERFORMANCEVOLVO.COM.AU WHILE STOCKS LAST
*$35,888 is the driveaway price for a V40 T3 Momentum. New stock vehicles only. While stock lasts. Volvo Car Australia reserves the right to change or extend this offer.
Performance Automobiles
121 Argyle St, Hobart
T 03 6210 7000 performancevolvo.com.au
LMCT 3297
PERFORMANCEVOLVO.COM.AU
*$35,888 is the driveaway price for a V40 T3 Momentum. New stock vehicles only. While stock lasts. Volvo Car Australia reserves the right to change or extend this offer.
THE FIRST EVER VOLVO XC40 EVERYTHING YOU NEED. NOTHING YOU DON’T. The award-winning XC-40 has arrived. Combining ingenious creative with breakthrough technology and intuitive design. It’s everything you need to make your life easy. Experience it now at Performance Automobiles
PERFORMANCE AUTOMOBILES * TBA
121 Argyle Street
www.performancevolvo.com.au
LMCT 3297
6210 7000
8
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
July/2018
July/2018
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
9
www.mcdpower.com.au
McDougall’s Power Equipment has been serving Tasmania since 1930. McDougall’s Power Equipment has seen four generations operating the business in succession. The Husqvarna brand has been the biggest part of the business since 1965. They have been statewide distributors supplying Husqvarna machinery and Oregon chainsaw accessories to 52 dealers. They are a Husqvarna Crown Dealer which is the highest achievable level a dealership can reach and consistently receive awards for outstanding achievement. Having faced world wars, depressions, the threat of cheap hardware store chains and global online trading is not an easy task for any business. It is an elite few that have survived for as long as McDougall’s Power Equipment. They believe it is testimony to the ever-evolving Husqvarna product and the customer service they deliver. With a new generation of chainsaw on the way and the lithium ion battery range expanding constantly, the ability of Husqvarna to not only evolve with changing times, but to set the pace, is what keeps them leaders in the field. Husqvarna offer a large range of chainsaws, pole saws, trimmers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, walk behind mowers, blowers, concrete cutters, vacuums, tillers, edgers, robotic automowers, pressure washers, ride on tractors, zero turns and riders - all with
the latest market leading innovative features. Let McDougall’s Power Equipment use their knowledge and experience to help you decide which product suits your needs the best. Husqvarna is one of the oldest companies in the world, founded in 1689. The first Husqvarna plant was established as a weapons foundry. Over the centuries, Husqvarna has produced a large range of diversified products, including sewing machines, bicycles, motorcycles and kitchen equipment. Since creating their first chainsaw in 1959, Husqvarna’s focus has been on producing the world’s best outdoor power equipment. With net sales of around 8 billion dollars per year and 13,000 employees it would be safe to assume they will be around for another 300 years. McDougall’s Power Equipment have not stood still in that time either. They have stocked and sold tens of thousands of every machine Husqvarna have offered for sale in Australia, were one of the first dealers to embrace robotic lawnmowers in 1995 and have now sold more battery powered products than most dealers in Australia. They have Yamaha and Dunlite generators, mechanical log splitters, Fiskars hand tools, Victa mowers, WaterMaster pumps, Silky pruning saws, Gardena watering solutions, a range of arborist hardware and a large range of personal protective equipment and accessories to compliment the machinery they sell.
to perform a mundane task, frees up time to do the things in life you enjoy – not chores. The fact it is the cheapest way to mow your lawn, costing less than an average ride-on mower to buy and then costing virtually nothing to run, makes it an attractive option for smart buyers. Current models can easily maintain an acre and a half of lawn with larger capacity machines forecast to be released into the market in the near future. The battery equipment range has grown exponentially since its global release in 2012. This exciting offering includes chainsaws, blowers, mowers, trimmers, brushcutters, hedge trimmers and pole saws. The working duration and recharge cycle time of the batteries astounds users. McDougall’s Power Equipment have already chosen not to keep in stock the equivalent petrol-powered machines of certain units, as the battery powered machines convincingly out-perform them. Without requiring servicing other than for maintenance of cutting equipment, no need for pull starting, zero emissions, no fuel to purchase, store and go stale over lack of use, they are also the cheaper way to get work done. The range includes fully commercial machines right through to domestic units.
McDougall’s Power Equipment are also proud to offer a certified chainsaw course to increase the competency and confidence of their customers. They have teamed up with Marcus Thalmann and GlobalNet Academy (RTO 60058) to deliver a nationally recognised unit of competence: AHCMOM213 – Operate and maintain chainsaws. It is a day course costing $280 for the certification. You can attend the same course without certification for $220 if you just want the education, or if you wish to try out some chainsaws before you make a purchasing decision as to what size suits your needs best. McDougall’s have just completed a workshop upgrade with the latest state of the art facilities. With constant factory training and 53 years of experience with Husqvarna products, let them keep your investment serviced for maximum performance and safety. They also offer pickup and delivery of ride on mowers with their purpose-built vehicle. All products sold by McDougall’s Power Equipment comes assembled, fuelled, tuned and tested and is backed by warranty, spare parts and service.
The future isn’t coming, the future is here! Robotic automowers out sell traditional forms of lawn mowers in most European countries and other markets around the world are following closely behind. McDougall’s Power Equipment view the Husqvarna Automower just like a washing machine or dish washer. Utilising automated machines Advertorial
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
10
July/2018
Co-Op Toyota
GREAT VALUE. STILL FEELING IT!
HILUX 4X4 SR5 AUTO (DOUBLE-CAB PICK-UP)
FREE
ON-ROAD COSTS
WORTH OVER $3,000
[V3]
RAV4 2WD GXL AUTO CVT
FREE
REGO, CTP & STAMP DUTY
[V2]
ACROSS THE COROLLA HATCH RANGE
FREE
REGO, CTP, STAMP DUTY & DEALER DELIVERY[V1]
Co-Op Toyota Hobart New Cars 267 Argyle Street T 03 6230 1957
Kingston New Cars 14 Hutchins Street T 03 6229 0727
co-optoyota.com.au [V1] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze and Silver fleet customers, and primary producers only. Offer available on new vehicles produced January 2018 to April 2018 and purchased from 01/07/2018 - 31/07/2018 or while stocks last. Offer includes 12 months registration, 12 months compulsory third party insurance (CTP), a maximum dealer delivery charge and stamp duty. [V2] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze and Silver fleet customers, and primary producers only. Offer available on new vehicles produced January 2018 to July 2018 and purchased from 01/07/2018 31/07/2018 unless extended. includes 12 months registration, compulsory thirdJanuary party insurance (CTP)2018 and stamp duty. Offer excludes Dealer -Delivery. [V3] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze12 and Silver fleet customers [V1] Offer applicable for Private, -Bronze and Silver fleetoffer customers, andOffer primary producers only. Offer available12 onmonths new vehicles produced 2018 to April and purchased from 01/07/2018 31/07/2018 or while stocks last. Offer includes months registration, 12 only. Offer available onparty new vehicles produced January 2018 to delivery July 2018 and purchased - 31/07/2018 unless offerand extended. Freecustomers, onroad costs months only. registration, 12 months compulsory third party insurance (CTP), dealer charge months compulsory third insurance (CTP), a maximum dealer charge and stampfrom duty.01/07/2018 [V2] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze Silver fleet andincludes primary12 producers Offer available on new vehicles produced January 2018 to July 2018delivery and purchased and stamp duty. $3,000 represents minimum value of onroad costs on an auto Hilux 4X4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up in non-metallic paint. LMCT 3050. from 01/07/2018 - 31/07/2018 unless offer extended. Offer includes 12 months registration, 12 months compulsory third party insurance (CTP) and stamp duty. Offer excludes Dealer Delivery. [V3] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze and Silver fleet customers only. Offer available T2018-010296 on new vehicles produced January 2018 to July 2018 and purchased from 01/07/2018 - 31/07/2018 unless offer extended. Free onroad costs includes 12 months registration, 12 months compulsory third party insurance (CTP), dealer delivery charge and stamp duty. $3,000 represents minimum value of onroad costs on an auto Hilux 4X4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up in non-metallic paint. T2018-010296
[V1] Offe months c from 01/0 on new ve represent
ation, 12 urchased available y.10296 $3,000
-010296
July/2018
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
11
Co-Op Motors
USED CAR VALUE. STILL FEELING IT!
*
2017 COROLLA ASCENT SPORT AUTO HATCHES ALL UNDER 15,000KMS CHOICE OF COLOURS
LIMITED NUMBERS
JUST $19,990
2017 COROLLA ASCENT AUTO SEDANS ALL UNDER 15,000KMS
LIMITED NUMBERS
JUST $18,990
2017 HILUX SR DUAL CABS
ALL UNDER 15,000KMS
LIMITED NUMBERS
JUST $42,990
Co-Op Motors Hobart Used Cars 267 Argyle Street T 03 6230 1966
Kingston Used Cars 14 Hutchins Street T 03 6229 0727
co-optoyota.com.au * WIN $20,000 IN CASH: to be eligible to go into the draw for $20,000 you must purchase and take delivery of a used vehicle from Co-Op Toyota Used Cars at Hobart or Kingston between Tuesday 1st May 2018 and Sunday 30th September 2018. Winner to be drawn on Monday 1st October at 10.00am and announced in the Mercury on Tuesday 2nd October 2018. LMCT 3050.
[V1] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze and Silver fleet customers, and primary producers only. Offer available on new vehicles produced January 2018 to April 2018 and purchased from 01/07/2018 - 31/07/2018 or while stocks last. Offer includes 12 months registration, 12 months compulsory third party insurance (CTP), a maximum dealer delivery charge and stamp duty. [V2] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze and Silver fleet customers, and primary producers only. Offer available on new vehicles produced January 2018 to July 2018 and purchased T2018-009894 from 01/07/2018 - 31/07/2018 unless offer extended. Offer includes 12 months registration, 12 months compulsory third party insurance (CTP) and stamp duty. Offer excludes Dealer Delivery. [V3] Offer applicable for Private, Bronze and Silver fleet customers only. Offer available on new vehicles produced January 2018 to July 2018 and purchased from 01/07/2018 - 31/07/2018 unless offer extended. Free onroad costs includes 12 months registration, 12 months compulsory third party insurance (CTP), dealer delivery charge and stamp duty. $3,000 represents minimum value of onroad costs on an auto Hilux 4X4 SR5 Double-Cab Pick-Up in non-metallic paint. T2018-010296
SWITCHING GEARS • Issue 006
12
July/2018
Australians are happy
with car dealers Written by Molly Baxter
Roy Morgan research showed that Australians are satisfied with car retailers AUSTRALIA’S drivers are some of the most satisfied in the country with new research showing customer satisfaction in the automotive industry improving, with those driving Skodas the most satisfied of all. The Roy Morgan research showed that satisfaction with car retailers has improved on the year before, with new figures showing that in the 12 months to April 2018, the overall satisfaction with car manufacturers was 92.6 per cent. These figures are up from 92.4 per cent for the same period in 2017. Most of the major car manufacturers have high levels of customer satisfaction, though there are many performing above the market average. Skoda currently has the highest customer satisfaction with 97.5 per cent, followed by Isuzu UTE (96.4 per cent), Suzuki (95.3 per cent), Mazda (95.2 per cent) and Subaru (95.1 per cent).
In the last year, nine of the top performers increased their satisfaction rating with the biggest improver being Skoda (up 5.0 per cent points) followed by Isuzu UTE (up 2.4 per cent points), Land Rover (up 2.0 per cent points), and Suzuki (up 1.9 per cent points). The average manufacturers that showed declines in satisfaction had only minimal movement, with Kia declining by 0.6 per cent points, Audi and Volkswagen both down by 0.1 per cent points. The figures show that car manufacturers had the highest customer satisfaction of all of the 32 industries which Roy Morgan measure, including alcohol, banking and finance, and travel and tourism. Roy Morgan industry communications director Norman Morris said the data used in the figures had since become the industry standard on which the highly prized and publicised annual ‘Roy Morgan Car Manufacturers Satisfaction Award’ was based.
...the overall satisfaction with manufacturers was 92.6%. “In this very competitive industry where all car manufacturers are endeavouring
to improve their satisfaction rating, there is very little now between the major competitors, with only 4.8 per cent points separating the top fifteen performers,” he said. “Satisfaction in this market is not directly correlated with price but appears to be linked more to perceived value and expectations. This is illustrated by the fact that the top five performers are in lower price brackets compared to the prestige brands such as Lexus, Audi and BMW and yet they have higher satisfaction.”
Even the way we shop for a car has changd a lot Similarly, 67.6 per cent of people wanting to buy a new car in the next four years said the internet was the most useful media for providing information on their purchase decision. Again from Roy Morgan, research found the main medium people used to research new cars was Google, with 45 per cent of buyers using the search engine. Google was ahead of other websites, and well ahead of newspapers at 10.7 per cent, television (5.4 per cent) and magazines (4.1 per cent). The internet is also the only one to have made gains over the last four years - since 2013, the internet has increased its relevance among new
vehicle buyers, with an increase of 10.1 per cent points to 67.6 per cent.
67.6% of people uses the internet to research a new car before buying Over the same period, newspapers suffered the biggest loss with a decline of 6.3 per cent points to 10.7 per cent, followed by magazines down 2.1 per cent points (to 4.1 per cent) and television down 1.9 per cent points (to 5.4 per cent). Australia’s older generations aged 57 and up, still consider newspapers to be relevant when purchasing a car. Top 5 in satisfaction 97.5% 96.4% 95.3% 95.2% 95.1%
From May 2017 to April 2018