JULY 5 - 11 | 2019
Little Renault SUV captures hearts but not sales
Ŷ QUIRKY: Renault Captur is a good looking French machine, especially in two-tone paint scheme.
STYLING The standout feature of Renault Captur is its cute and quirky styling with interesting lines and designs both inside and outside.
By EWAN KENNEDY There’s a large choice of bright colours, many of them with two-tone paint schemes. Our test car had this latter feature and it certainly drew plenty of positive comments. There are deeply sculpted lines on the lower part of the doors together with a neat kick up in the rear window line that butts up against the roof-mounted rear spoiler. You can choose from different colours in the cabin as well, both on the major surfaces and the detailed trim on the dash and doors. Even better the seat covers can be zipped off for easy cleaning or even be replaced by new ones in different colours. INTERIOR Although it’s relatively small on the out-
side, Renault Captur has space for four adults in comfort and with a surprising amount of rear legroom enhanced by the ability to slide the rear seat back and forwards to let you choose between passenger and cargo space. There’s also a two-level boot floor with one level at the same height as the rear seats when folded and a lower one to cater for taller items. The floor can also be set at a forty-five degree angle that gives support to items such as grocery bags. When set at the higher level it also provides below for out-ofsight storage. There’s plenty of headroom in all seats despite the encroachment from a sunroof in the Intens model. Renault Captur wouldn’t be French if it didn’t have a few annoying bits. The two
drinkholders in the centre are too small for most typical 370ml cans or a standard coffee cup. Even when the drink does fit the holders are right alongside the driver’s seat and a little awkward to use. Initially there’s no clock display in either the multimedia screen or the dashboard although it was eventually restored by referring to the owner’s handbook and pressing a combination of buttons on the steering wheel stalk. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS Renault Captur is powered by either a 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine or a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol.
Ŷ Continued page 3 j/21d12837-v54/27-19
RENAULT Captur is a stylish small SUV that’s built on the same platform as the Clio hatchback but with a little extra length and height. When it was launched in Europe in 2013 it was one of the first of the small crossover SUVs which have subsequently sprung up everywhere. It has been a big seller in Europe right from the get-go, but unfortunately for Renault Australia by the time it arrived here in early 2015 many of its competitors had launched their equivalent models and this, together with limited supply, meant that Captur has always struggled to compete.
ON NOW. ENDS JULY 13
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July 5 - 11 | 2019
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Mercedes small sedan steps out in style
By DEREK OGDEN
MERCEDES-BENZ is in the process of expanding its A-Class beyond the hatchback with the addition of a sedan, the first cab off the rank, so to speak, being the A 200, which has just landed in Australia. Close on the heels of the harbinger, the A 180 drops in this month, while the A 250 will show up in November and the A 250 4Matic in the first quarter of next year. Unusually for a small car, the new sedan is all about space. For example, the boot, at 430 litres, has 60 litres more room than the hatchbacks, with the rear seats in place. It’s easier to load too with a 950 mm boot opening able to take bulky items. A well-proportioned exterior weighs in with a surprise or two aerodynamically with a drag coefficient of 0.22Cd, the lowest recorded for a passenger vehicle. Further ground is broken with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) control system with the ability to allow occupants verbal contact with the car. By saying ‘Hi, Mercedes’, followed by common requests, radio and multi-media settings, navigation and phone functions, plus changes, on some models, in cabin climate or lighting can be controlled. Not only that, but MBUX can ‘learn’ passenger preferences: over weeks and months the system ‘notices’ patterns of requests and can prompt them with timely reminders for habits or settings. Drivers can also set up their own profiles in the same vehicle. All MBUX-equipped models, including the A-Class sedan, can join ‘Mercedes me Connect’, an advanced connectivity network allowing remote interaction with the vehicle, as well as with other convenience functions via a smartphone app. These include tyre pressures, fuel and fluid levels, brake pad condition and distance to the vehicle’s exact location. The app provides access to a stack of other functions, from nearby parking spaces; route to the next destination, a collision alert along the way, an anti-theft warning or if the vehicle has been towed, remotely pre-programming a destination into navigation ahead of a journey; and puts up a ‘fence’ beyond which the vehicle is limited. The app can also tap into in-home devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home to allow control of key vehicle functions via spoken commands without leaving home and will check the car’s service history and automatically book services.
Ŷ SPACEY: The A-Class sedan is a stylish alternative to the popular Mercedes hatchback Both the A 180 and A 200 sedan are powered by the same 1.3-litre turbocharged fourcylinder engine putting out 100 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque, or 120kW and 250 Nm, respectively. Both are mated with a sevenspeed automatic transmission. Combined urban / highway fuel consumption for both vehicles is put by Benz at 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Both make use of the full MBUX, featuring through the same style of widescreen cockpit as in the A-Class hatch incorporating twin 10.25-inch digital screens. Navigation is standard and can be programmed via the central touchscreen, the new touchpad between the front seats, using ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control (be patient), or via the Mercedes me Connect app. Safety is in the hands of Active Parking Assist (with Parktronic), Active Lane Keep Assist, Active Brake Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, electronically folding exterior mirrors, and Pre-Safe accident anticipation. Tune in to DAB+ digital radio through a nine-speaker audio system with 225-watt output. The A 180 rolls on 17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels, while occupants have the benefit of ‘Comfort’ seats in Artico upholstery, climate control, smartphone integration, a newgeneration three-spoke sports steering wheel with touch controllers and shift paddles, Keyless Start, the ‘Style’ equipment line featuring the distinctive ‘diamond’ radiator grille, and Dynamic Select, which provides a choice
of driving modes. The A 200 adds 18-inch five twin-spoke alloys and double twin chrome-tipped exhaust, adaptive high-beam assist, plus unique exterior design features and in-cabin styling, including four-way driver’s power lumbar support. There’s a folding rear armrest and wireless smartphone charging. The A 180 comes to market for $44,900, the A 200 $49,400, both plus on-road costs. Options found standard in other cars – active cruise control, head-up display, and metallic paint can add to these prices. The warranty is only three years. A launch drive of the A 200 in Melbourne and environs had its moments. There was an external glitch in the route guidance (nothing
to do with the car), which had my co-driver and I concentrating on Google maps as much as the performance of the vehicle. Both ended well. The 1.3-litre turbo has the car eating up the open road but can be hesitant off the mark. Start / stopping in traffic is helped by assured braking, a bit too assured with the lane keeping assist grabbing the brakes when the vehicle approaches continuous white lines. The engine is quiet enough but there’s a lot of road noise getting into the cabin on coarse road surfaces. With options up, the A 200 is a classy small car, if a little pedestrian. Those wanting more sting will have to wait for the more powerful A 250 or the AMG touched-up A 35
Little Renault SUV captures hearts but not sales Ŷ From page 1 Our test was in the 1.3-litre which was added in November 2018 to replace the previous 1.2-litre turbo four. Originally available only in the limited edition Captur S-Edition it now also comes in the six-speed automatic Zen and Intens spec models. It generates more power (110 kW compared to 88 kW) and torque (250 Nm vs 190 Nm) at lower revs (1600 from 2000 rpm ) but is more efficient (at 5.4 litres per 100 km compared to 5.8 L/100 km), with emissions down from 130 g/ km to 120 g/km. The three-cylinder Captur comes only with a five-speed manual gearbox, others with a sixspeed dual-clutch automatic. SAFETY Renault Captur gets the maximum five ANCAP points with standard features across the range including six airbags; enhanced ABS brakes; stability and traction control; anti-slip regulation; hill start assist; emergency braking lights; rear foglights; rear view camera and rear parking sensors; and Isofix child seat fixing points on the outer rear seats. The higher spec Intens adds extended grip control; LED headlights, and front foglights with cornering function; front and side parking sensors; easy park assist; and blind spot warning.
INFOTAINMENT Infotainment features are displayed on a seven-inch colour touchscreen. Satellite navigation is standard with the Intens getting an enhanced R-LINK system as well as an Arkamys 3D sound system with the option of upgrading to Bose premium sound. Bluetooth pairing was intuitive and quick with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both available. DRIVING In its natural urban environment the Captur is reasonably quiet and pleasant to ride in. The seat position is higher than the Cleo for extra vision and the seats are comfortable and supportive. On the motorway segment of our normal test route it cruised in a relaxed and easygoing manner even on moderate hills. Handling is safe and competent, but nothing to get excited about – that’s the job of Captur’s Clio sibling especially in its exciting sports models. Engine performance from the 1.3-litre fourcylinder turbo-petrol unit is good and generally gets the car moving promptly. The automatic transmission is generally in the right gear for the conditions and works well with the characteristics of the turbo engine. Fuel consumption is listed at 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged in the low sixes.
AT A GLANCE Impressive and more than compensates for the moderate performance. PRICE From $21, 990 to $30,490. SUMMING UP At last count there were 27 different models in the Australian small SUV category with Renault Captur struggling around the lower end. Which is a pity because it’s a well-priced, capable and economical little vehicle with quirky, interesting lines that make it stand out from the crowd.
CAPACITY: 1.332 litres CONFIGURATION: Four cylinders in line MAXIMUM POWER: 110 kW @ 5250 rpm MAXIMUM TORQUE: 250 Nm @ 1600 rpm DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 45 litres FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5.4 L/100km (combined average)
July 5 - 11 | 2019
Volvo XC60 2009 - 2017 By EWAN KENNEDY WHEN launched in Australia in late 2008 the Volvo XC60 was described by the Swedish company as being a cross between a coupe and an SUV. But, we feel it's a genuine SUV, certainly by the definition of SUVs today. Keep in mind that the XC60 is designed for use on Swedish roads that are likely to be snow and ice covered for months at a time, particularly in the northern areas of that country. However, it’s also suited to Aussie bush conditions, and obviously to snowfields in Australia. Almost all had all-wheeldrive in the early days, but new models, usually the lower-cost introductory entry variants, have two-wheel drive (the front wheels). These are slightly lighter than the AWD units and modern anti-skid electronics will generally give them more than enough grip. The midsize SUV's styling is significantly bolder than anything offered by Volvo before. The front grille is big, stands tall and has a large Volvo ‘iron mark’ symbol in the centre. The wedge shape of the body as it tapers to the rear works well. The very Volvo taillights make full use of the big ‘shoulders’ of the chunky wagon body. Hindsight says XC60’s shape was the start of a new era for Volvo, which has returned to being a style leader after too many years in the boring but practical era. Inside, there's genuine space for four adults, and a fifth still without too much hip and shoulder rubbing. The front seats are large and support reasonably well. Boot space is also good. The XC60 is almost carlike in the way it handles bends. Naturally, you can feel that it has a higher centre of gravity than a car, but the levels of road grip are much higher than those likely to be attempted by most owners - especially if Mum and the kids are on board… At its launch Volvo claimed the XC60 was probably the safest car on the road. Major safety items include front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with emergency brake assist, stability and traction control, lane departure warning, collision warning with automatic braking, blind spot information system and driver alert control. We really do need a bigger car!
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Other features were added over the years, some as part of updates, but others were extra cost options. A Volvo dealer can check on the safety features of an XC60 you're considering and give information on it. The 2013 model, actually launched in August 2012 had some design changes but Volvo, being Volvo, had a strong emphasis on safety, with an automatic headlight dipping, automatic wipers and the reading of speed limit and other roadside signs. An interesting model is the XC60 R-Design, a semisporty model with firmer suspension, a body kit, colour changes and interior upgrades in the trim. Volvo XC60 has a fascinating array of engines. Four, five- and six cylinder petrols that run sideways across the front of the car, a turbocharged V6 petrol and turbo-diesels. A new design diesel powerplant was introduced in January 2010, it retained the same five-cylinder layout and 2.4-litre capacity as the previous unit, but is an all-new design with twin turbochargers rather than the single turbo of the previous engine. There's also a four-cylinder diesel with capacities of 2.0 and 2.5 litres. Automatics have six or eight forward ratios. Volvo Cars is long established in Australia with a dealer network that covers all metropolitan areas as well as quite a few country centres. Service, repair and parts costs for the XC60 are about average for a vehicle in this class and we have heard of no real complaints about the availability of spares. Check on insurance costs with several companies as there seems to be a bigger than average spread in premium charges. A virtually all-new Volvo XC60 was introduced to us Downunder in October 2017. It's still too new to be considered in this used car review. Suffice to say they have moved upmarket in equipment, prices and general ride comfort. There's little doubt Volvo Cars wants to take on the prestige Germans in this class. Oh, and it was voted Word Car of the Year in 2018. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Volvo XC60 had more than its fair share of recalls during its early years, possibly because it was involved in an uneasy relationship with Ford when the Ameri-
Haven’t ridden that for a long time?
can company took control from 1999 to 2010. Chinese automotive company Geely now owns Volvo Cars and things are significantly better. Go to www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/volvo/ for details. Look over the body for signs of damage or crash repairs. Check the interior, particularly the luggage area, for signs of scratches or tears. Few XC60s are ever taken off-road but if you do come across one with scratches on the lower bumper corners and the door sills it may have been on outback tracks. Listen for suspension noises, especially on rougher roads, there's no need to find a dirt road for this, many suburban roads in poor condition will show up any problems. Similarly, sand underneath the Volvo or on the inner guards may have been it's had a play on a beach. Engine oil and filter changes are important on any turbocharged engine, check the service books. Ideally servicing should have been done by an authorised Volvo dealer, however, there are some quality specialists who understand the vehicle well as they may have worked with Volvo in the past. Automatic transmissions should be smooth and all but imperceptible on their changes at low throttle openings. Some shift feel at big openings is acceptable, but too much may indicate auto problems. HOW MUCH? Expect to pay from $7000 to $11,000 for a 2009 Volvo XC60 3.2; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2009 D5; $12,000 to $18,000 for a 2010 D5 R-Design; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2012 T6; $19,000 to $25,000 for a 2012 T6 Teknik R-Design; $23,000 to $31,000 for a 2014 T5 Kinetic; $26,000 to $35,000 for a 2015 T5 Luxury; $31,000 to $42,000 for a 2015 T6 Luxury; and $42,000 to $54,000 for a 2017 D4 Inscription. CAR BUYING TIP Check logbooks for evidence of routine maintenance. Then compare the distance travelled in these books with the reading on the car’s odometer. We’ve seen more than one car that’s done many more kilometres on paper than on their speedo.
Gathering dust in the shed?
Family holidays a thing of the past?
Ŷ 2017 Volvo XC60
Ŷ 2013 Volvo XC60
Ŷ 2009 Volvo XC60
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