DECEMBER 6 - 12 | 2019
Ŷ PROVEN: Nissan Qashqai is a competent SUV / hatchback crossover.
Nissan Qashqai stands the test of time By ALISTAIR KENNEDY mission. The entry-level ST is the only one offered with a six-speed manual option. Previous diesel engine and seven seat options are no longer on offer. STYLING Looks are sharp and neat with a nice balance between style and conservatism that should appeal to buyers across the age range. The gen-two Qashqai was given a facelift in 2017 that included the latest version of the Nissan V-motion grille, chrome surrounds to the radiator grille and LED daytime running lights. Qashqai Ti has dusk-sensing LED adaptive headlights with high beam assist. The others
make do with halogen lamps. The top two spec variants ST-L and Ti have roof rails while the Ti also gets a panoramic sunroof. At the lower end the Qashqai ST and ST+ models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, ST-L steps up to 18-inch with the Ti getting 19-inch. INTERIOR The seat materials have a nice tactile feel with contrasting stitching on the centre armrest providing a hint of luxury. Seats in the ST and ST+ have cloth trim, ST-L are part cloth and part leather while Ti gets premium quilted Nappa leather. Despite its compact exterior dimensions Qashqai’s cabin takes five adults in relative comfort. There are numerous clever storage facilities including bottle holders in the front
doors and a large centre bin. Boot space is an impressive 430 litres expandable to 1598 litres with the 60:40 rear seat backs folded. The boot has an adjustable floor with a space-saver spare wheel underneath. SAFETY All Qashqai models get front, side and curtain airbags as well as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision, intelligent ride control, intelligent trace control, two Isofix child seat anchors, lane departure warning and reversing camera. ST+ and ST-L add a 360 degree Intelligent Around-View monitor with moving object detection.
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WHEN it was launched back in 2008 the Nissan Qashqai was one of the pioneers of the hatchback / SUV genre, one which has subsequently grown to become one of the largest Australian market segments with a choice of more than 40 vehicles across virtually every brand. For the first part of its life the Qashqai was called Dualis before switching to its global moniker in 2014 with the release of the second generation model. Regardless of the name it has been a consistently high seller throughout. Qashqai comes with a choice of four variants, ST, ST+, ST-L and Ti, priced from $27,490 to $37,990. All are powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 106 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm, mated to Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable trans-
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December 6 - 12 | 2019
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All-new Mazda CX-30 Australian specs and pricing By EWAN KENNEDY MAZDA has released local specifications and pricing for the all-new CX-30,a model that will sit between Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 in size and price. Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the arrival of the new SUV will meet growing demand for high-riding vehicles in one of the most popular market segments. “All-New Mazda CX-30 is the perfect middle ground between small and medium SUV, giving customers a really sensible alternative that is equally stylish and innovative,” said Mr Bhindi. “Mazda has used ergonomic driver research to deliver Mazda CX-30’s human-centric cabin design, with premium materials and advanced technology adding to its comfort and safety package.” There's an emphasis on keeping drivers out of trouble if they’re paying more attention to their phones than to their driving. The CX-30 has Front Cross Traffic Alert and a Driver Monitoring system, which monitors the driver’s face before sending an alert. Other standard technologies include Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Smart Brake Support (SBS), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go. Using the successful Kodo design language the Mazda CX-30 is aimed to give, “flowing beauty of a coupe and the solid toughness and road presence of an SUV”. Eight exterior colours are offered: Polymetal Grey Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Sonic Silver Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Titanium Flash Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica and Jet Black Mica. May we predict that the Soul Red Crystal Metallic will be the number-one choice? High spec interiors are offered in the Touring and Astina models; a Rich Brown colour scheme, paired with either Black leather or Pure White leather trim. Pure and Evolve have a Navy Blue and Black cloth combination. The horizontal 8.8-inch screen gives access to Mazda Connect infotainment system which integrates satellite navigation as standard, plus phone-mirroring technologies Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New CX-30 will be sold in Pure, Evolve, Tour-
Ŷ MR INBETWEEN: Semi-coupe rear end of the Mazda CX-30 looks great.
ing and Astina grades. Power will be provided by a Mazda Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre (114kW/200Nm) or 2.5-litre petrol (139kW/252Nm). Transmission will be by a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic. Mazda CX-30 will be the fifth SUV currently in the Mazda Australia range, joining XC-3, -5, -8 and -9. It has Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and five-year Mazda Premium Roadside Assistance. At this stage we have only had a walk around presentation from Mazda including the chance to sit inside and check the luggage area. There is good space for four adults in legroom and head space. There's a smallish centre-rear seat that is hampered for footroom, which is normal for this vehicle type and size. The boot is a reasonable size but the semicoupe roofline means it may not be able to carry items such as large boxes that can fit into more conventional SUVs. The full media launch will take place in Sydney in early February, we will report our drive impressions immediately afterwards.
Nissan Qashqai stands the test of time
Ŷ From page 1 You’ll need to stretch your budget to the range-topping Ti if you want the latest advanced safety features including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent park assist, intelligent driver alert, intelligent lane intervention and intelligent cruise control. There is no all-wheel drive option. INFOTAINMENT The display screen in the ST is small at 5.0 inches. The ST+, ST-L and Ti which are 7.0 inches has the familiar smartphone design that is easy to understand, crisp, clear and which can even be customised. Bluetooth phone and audio streaming are standard with DAB+ digital radio in models above ST as is satellite navigation with traffic monitoring. Nissan is dragging the chain in terms of
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto although we understand that they will be added with the next upgrade. DRIVING For a relatively small SUV entry is relatively easy and there is excellent headroom both front and rear. Visibility is excellent all round with large side mirrors and rear window. On the road Qashqai is surprisingly sharp with the 2.0-litre engine and CVT combining to produce a smooth transition through the rev range although under hard acceleration there is still some of the jerkiness that is the downside to such transmissions. Improved noise insulation and better sealing keep road noise well suppressed. The suspension is on the firm side which we like especially as comfort isn’t compromised. Handling is safe and secure and steering is precise and responsive through cor-
ners. Certainly right up there with the best in the class. Fuel consumption during our week behind the wheel of the Qashqai ST+ averaged 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres which was acceptably close to the listed 6.8 litres per 100 km. SUMMING UP Nissan Qashqai is a competent SUV / hatchback crossover with a long pedigree that manages its interior space well, is comfortable, drives well, and has a good range of safety and technical features. It doesn’t have an all-wheel drive option but that’s not unusual in its class. Note that, at the same time as the ST+ was added to the Qashqai range in April 2019, Nissan Australia extended its standard warranty from three years / 100,000 km to five years with unlimited distance. The price of the manual ST went up by $1000, the ST CVT by
$500, ST-L by $300 while there was no increase in the Ti. If you have a preference for European cars Renault recently launched its Kadjar which is built on the same platform as the Qashqai but with a smaller turbo-petrol engine and a conventional seven-speed gearbox.
AT A GLANCE MODEL: ST+ five-door wagon ENGINE: 2.0 L four cylinder petrol MAX POWER: 106 kW @ 6000 rpm MAX TORQUE: 200 Nm @ 4400 rpm DRIVELINE: Xtronic continously variable FUEL TANK: 65 litres ECONOMY: 6.9 L/100km (combined)
December 6 - 12 | 2019
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Ford Kuga 2012 - 2017 By EWAN KENNEDY KUGA replaced the Ford Escape, which was a genuine 4WD, in February 2012. Ford Australia had been slow to realise that buyers wanted crossovers and the 2012 model had been on sale in Europe for four years before it reached us downunder. Like many SUVs these days the Ford Kuga is aimed at the suburban user rather than the bush basher. However, some Kugas have the added traction of all-wheel-drive and can be used to tackle bush tracks and ďŹ re trails, with ground clearance generally being the limiting factor. Other Kugas are purely two-wheel drive vehicles. That ďŹ rst Kuga was discontinued here in April 2013 and replaced by one that was virtually all-new. More interior space is a big feature of the second generation. Cleverly, the rear seats not only have more legroom, their backs recline over a 10-degree range, allowing you to juggle between luggage and passenger space. In any case, the cargo area is larger than that in the 2012 model. Ride comfort is pretty good and the Kuga has little trouble coping with most rough backroads. However, the suspension travel isn’t always long enough to cope with really bad surfaces and there can be some bottoming out. Handling is good in the original series Kuga, and even better in the second generation.
CLASSIFIEDS MOTOR VEHICLES
MOTOR VEHICLES
1995 utility extra cab Rodeo, well maintained, 12 months registration (NIY941), $2500 ono. Phone David 0428 419 866 or 5752 2918.
2005 Toyota Corolla ICK Ascent BE QUHatchback (TIZ667) May 15. 2001 Ford DC ute, 126,000km, manual, 117" 6 0alloy , 0 0 0wheels, k m , TRD reg (QUS017), RWC, auto, upgrades, tinted winvery condition, dows, good excellent condiaircon, $5000 negotiable. tion $8000. Ph 0438 Ph 9880409 608. 881 851.
2013 auto Nissan Pulsar ST, 77,000kms, good condition, RWC, B M W X 5 , 2 0 11 , (ZPW256), $8900. Ph 125,000km, new tyres, 0422 954 623. many extras, excellent condition, October registration, (YOA709), $22,000. Ph 0413 868 461. 2019 Hyundai Elantra GO, 3609km, (1PN3XN), reg until August 2020, auto, many extras, $19,000 ono. Ph CHRYSLER 300C 0400 525 330. 3ltr turbo diesel 2007 CRD LE sedan, 5spd auto, reg till April 2020 (1FO1YJ), 258,726km, satnav, $12,500 ono. Ph 0408 178 976. TOYOTA Yaris YRS 2007, 5 speed manual, 5 door hatchback, silver, windows tinted, 59,000km, excellent condition, low kms, 11 m o n t h s r e g o , (WDG021), $6500.View at South Wangaratta Medical Centre, 47-51 Joyce Way, business hours (not Thursday am). Ph 0403 159 518.
2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatchback ICK15. (TIZ667) May BE QU 126,000km, manual, MAZDA Maxx, 2015, 17" alloy 2wheels, TRD 52,800kms, automatic, upgrades, tinted winrdows, e g u l aexcellent r s e r vcondiices, (1EX2JP), Ph tion $8000.$13,500. Ph 0438 0428 273 238. 988 608.
Ford’s voice-activated Sync system allows hands-free operation. A major safety feature is that Sync can operate an Emergency Assistance (EA) system that, when there is a Bluetooth-paired smartphone, sends out an emergency call when either an airbag is deployed and/or the car’s emergency fuel shutoff is activated. The ďŹ rst Kuga was only imported in its upmarket variants and powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 147 kW of power. It’s a bit of a gas guzzler, but great fun to sit behind. A 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo-petrol in two states of tune was offered. In January 2015 the 1.6 engines were replaced by a 1.5 or 2.0-litre units still with four cylinders. The 2013 Kuga had a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, it was replaced by a new-design diesel at the end of 2014. These are more economical than the petrol engines, the older diesel isn’t the most reďŹ ned, the new one is a beauty. There is a six-speed manual transmission in the lowest-cost Kuga models with front-drive only. Others have a six-speed automatic. Ford has been in Australia for almost 100 years and has dealerships all over the country, even in very remote areas. Not all of the outlying ones will have spare parts for Kugas, but can generally have them freighted in within a couple of business days. Kuga is relatively easy to work on, but as with all modern cars there are complex areas that should only be handled by professionals. Keep clear of any items that affect safety.
SOLD
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Scratches on the doors’ lower edges may mean a Kuga has tackled the tight dirt tracks. Look underneath for mud dirt and sand. Check inside the cabin and cargo area for damage caused by poor luggage stowage and/or misbehaving children. During your test drive listen for squeaks and rattles that may indicate the Kuga's been thumped over corrugated dirt roads or the like by an uncaring driver. Look over the paint as there were some defective vehicles in the earlier 2013 and 2014 models. Check the engine starts promptly and idles smoothly as soon as it kicks over. Automatic transmission should be fuss-free and automatic changes should be all-but imperceptible. Manual gearboxes should be smooth and quiet. Make the third-to second gearchange quickly if it baulks or crunches there may be a problem.
CAR BUYING TIP Take along a mate or partner when checking out a used car - they can listen to the sales people chatter while you concentrate on checking out the vehicle.
Ĺś 2015 Ford Kuga Trend
EXPECT TO PAY $7500 TO $12,000: 2012 Kuga Trend or 2014 Ambiente $9000 TO $13,000: 2015 Ambiente $10,000 TO $15,000: 2013 Titanium $11,000 TO $17,000: 2016 Ambiente $12,000 TO $18,000: 2014 Titanium $13,000 TO $19,000: 2016 Trend $14,000 TO $20,000: 2015 Titanium $17,000 TO $23,000: 2017 Titanium.
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
MOTOR VEHICLES
MOTOR VEHICLES
TOYOTA Yaris YRS, 92,000km, 2010, auto, air/con, power steer, cruise, Vic or NSW RWC, (1HH5CI), $9890. Ph 0458 265 318.
2014 Hyundai IX35 H i g h l a n d e r, AW D , panoramic roof, excellent condition, 127,000km, 4 mths VIC reg, (1MB2OU), $20,000 ono. Ph 0407 385 421.
SUBARU XV 2012, automatic, 110,000km, full service history, one owner, RWC, reg until May 2020 (ZJT677), $14,990 Mansfield. Phone Simone 0407 640 866.
Insurance costs are generally about average for this class. Shop around, but keep in mind it’s better to build up a good history with one insurer than to save a few dollars by shifting from year to year. Ford Australia introduced a facelifted Kuga with added technology in mid 2017 but gave it a new name, or rather an old name - it became the Ford Escape again. We won't examine this model in this used car review.
MERCEDES Benz 413 CDI, diesel, motor home, 2002, very good condition, rego (1HU4FO) expires July 2020, 239,198km, solar panels, good tyres, $43,000. Ph 0427 662 951 or 0437 662 968.
WA N T E D t o b u y Holden PROJECT car. Interested in Holden H, W and early V Series, V8 and 6cyl. Prefer original. Will consider TRITON Ute, Regent any condition. Ph 0458 pop top, a regrettable sale 289 221. due to bad health. Ute fully serviced with RW (1AM1AH), Caravan good condition, 2 berth singles, professionally ÂżWWHG ZLWK YROW KRXVH battery, reverse cameras, easy lift roof with airbags, new tyres, Recond 3 way fridge, 12 volt TV, accessories, chemical toilet, toilet tent, gas Why not charge your advertisement to portable shower, shower Mastercard or Visa? tent and solar charger, could separate ute and caravan, $16,000 the lot negotiable. Ph 0477 682 686.
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CARAVANS & CAMPERS
2015 Jayco Journey Outback, 17.5 feet pop WRS YDQ VHPL Rŕľľ URDG One owner.Separate WRLOHW VKRZHU HQ VXLWH GRXEOH LVODQG EHG UHDU view camera, 120w solar SDQHO DQG EDWWHU\ [ 90ltr fresh water tanks, [ NJ JDV ERWWOHV KS GLHVHO KHDWHU EUDQG QHZ -D\WHFK Rŕľľ URDG suspension, E.S.C EUDNLQJ IXOO DQQH[ $XVZLGH EUDQG XVHG RQFH , 6 , GRXEOH SXVK ELNH UDFN EUDQG QHZ pole carrier, rear 20ltr MHUU\ FDQ KROGHU DZQLQJ KDV IXOO OHQJWK / ( ' OLJKW IXOO\ VHWXS IRU Rŕľľ JULG FDPSLQJ 7KH YDQ LV DOO VHW XS UHDG\ WR JR $43,850 ono. Ph 0428 346 278.
17’6� Jayco Westport, TV, 3 way fridge, air conditioner, combo ensuite, solar panels, hot plates and griller, hot water tap, double bed, awning, aluminium frame, fully insulated, high gain antenna, $18,000. Ph 0408 082 778.
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
17’6� Jayco Westport pop-top, air conditioner, full stove including hot plates, double bed, fridge, awning. Complete with full annex, aluminum frame, fully insulated, $15,000. Ph 5727 3780.
MARINE
PRIDE Cheetah Ski Boat, 4.3mtr, 115 Yamaha 2 stroke outboard, Ezy Ride trailer, Bimi cover, life and ski jackets, reg 02/20, $6000 reduced for quick sale. Phone Colin 0429 856 779, Bonnie Doon.
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Ph 5723 17FT Paramount P o p To p , a l w a y s undercover, new tyres, wheel bearings, seals and brakes, new struts, excellent condition, 2 single beds, $16,000 ono. Ph 5798 1412.
21’6� Roma Caravan 2001, registered, east/ west island queen bed, ensuite, cafÊ seating, A/C, 3 way fridge, TV, microwave, gas cooktop and oven, rangehood, near new annexe, lots of storage, suit couple or single, $22,000 ono. Ph 0407 879 612.
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MOTORCYCLES
2011 Harley Davidson FLD (1E-1UI) 23 March, 18,000km, K & H air filter, SE Pro tuner, Sonic muffler, S&S Cams, reusable oil filter, luggage rack and bags, pillion back rest, panniers, screen, new rear tyre, original muffler and par ts, one owner, excellent condition. $17,000
Ph 0430 380 379
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