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N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A
JUNE 8 - 14 | 2018
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SPARKY: Lower ride height, wider tyres and black details around the wheel arches give the BMW i3s a tougher look.
BMW’s
sporty electric city car THE good folks at BMW just couldn’t help themselves. Their i3 electric city car is clearly their vision of the future … but BMW has a long history of sporting motoring. So the i3 engineers and stylists couldn’t resist designing a sports version, tagged, without a great deal of imagination, the i3s. We reckon there’s a strong chance that the engineers from the BMW i8 supercar section of the i Division had a finger in the pie as well. And we wonder if the revheads from M Division called in to say g’day from time to time? We’ve just spent an enjoyable week in a BMW i3s and found it even more fun to drive than the standard i3 94ah we had a few months back.
By EWAN KENNEDY STYLING Cute and very different inside and out, BMW i3 is basically a large volume rectangular box that’s been rounded off at the edges and corners to add some style. The result is cabin spaciousness you don’t get in conventional cars of this size. The i3s front spoiler is wider and bolder in its shape than the standard i3. The rear track is widened by 40mm because it has wheel arch surrounds added to cover the extra width of the wheels. The black colour of these surrounds is continued onto the door sills, and the 20-inch alloy wheels are in black. Sporty? Well sort of, but we
DRIVING Performance is terrific, with the instant off-the-line reaction we love in all electric cars. There’s near silence from the rear mounted electric motor and the little petrol charging engine is barely audible when it spins away at its fixed speed. Most of our driving was done in Comfort mode rather than in one of the Eco modes. That’s because this is a sporty model and surely that’s the way the typical owner would drive one. Around town a range of 190 to 225 kilometres was possible in Comfort mode. Which is more than enough for normal suburban daily use.
Continued page 2 z/21d12837-v153/2218
COME AND TEST DRIVE THE ALL-NEW 2018 MAZDA BT-50 TODAY!
certainly liked the appearance. POWERTRAIN Power and torque from the electric motor have both been increased. Power to 135 kW (it was 125 kW), torque to 270 Nm (250 Nm). These are the sort of numbers you would expect from a six-cylinder petrol engine of about 3.0 litres, so there’s plenty of grunt in this little Bimmer. There’s the option of a range extender engine, a small twin-cylinder petrol unit. It never powers the i3s directly but only maintains the battery charge at its current level, it doesn’t increase the amount of energy in the batteries, simply adds to the overall range of the vehicle. It was fitted to our road test car.
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June 8 - 14 | 2018
Major upgrades for Mazda6 MAZDA is running hot on the sales front in Australia at the moment and is showing no signs of slacking pace. Mazda6, the medium large sedan and wagon from Japan are the latest to receive the treatment. What at first glance looks to be an interesting facelift is in fact only part of the story because a new sporty engine has been added and there’s also been significant work on the body. Let’s look at the engine first: it’s a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit like the others in the petrol range, but now features a turbocharger to bring its power up to 170 kilowatts, with torque of 420 newton metres. On the styling front, the latest edition of Mazda’s very successful grille styling has a complex mesh pattern and its centre sits lower to give it an even bolder look. The LED headlamps now integrate with the foglamps. At the rear, the Mazda6 sedan has a new design for the boot lid, the exhaust pipes are larger and have been repositioned toward the outer edges of the bumper. Newly designed 17 and 19-inch alloy wheels complement the upgraded appearance in both the sedan and station wagon. Inside, fully redesigned front seats are wider and use high-density, vibrationabsorbing urethane foam to increase support. The rear seats have also got the high-density urethane foam. The out of sight areas of the body have been significantly revised, with the use of greater strength in the joins of multiple areas to add stiffness without affecting weight. This reduces NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) levels in the cabin. A stiffer body also provides an even more stable platform for the suspension to work within, and therefore improved handling and driver feel. More about this in the Driving section of this news feature. Intensive work has been done to enhance conversation clarity between the occupants. Not just volume of voices but the way in which they are picked up by
By EWAN KENNEDY the ears. Priced between $32,490 and $50,090 (plus on-road costs), there are 14 variants of the upgraded Mazda6, with a choice between wagon and sedan, with four model grades: Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza. DRIVING Chasing the new Holden Commodore and the Kia Stinger, both of which have four and six-cylinder engines, the four-cylinder Mazda6 has some tough competition. However, the Mazda has long had a reputation for quality and prestige in its class in Australia and the latest ‘6 has an impressive look and feel to further enhance that. On the road it is smooth, quiet and comfortable, even more so than before. We took a new turbo-petrol on a complex trip from Melbourne to Ballarat over a wide variety of roads; sealed and unsealed; good condition and poor; straight and winding; uphill and down. A typical country drive for a family looking for a peaceful day. The autumn leaves, particularly in the Mount Macedon area made life even more pleasant. Our Mazda6 did it with ease, creating a relaxing upmarket feel of exactly the type its engineers and stylists were aiming for. The new turbo-petrol engine has minimal turbo lag, making for safe overtaking and easy hillclimbing. It’s smooth and quiet and we defy the average driver to pick it from being a four-cylinder not a six-. The trip back to Tullamarine airport was done the boring way, trundling along in traffic. It cruised in a relaxed fashion and conversation was quiet and easy. One feature wasn’t to our liking. The turbo engine does like a drink with fuel consumption usually in the eight to ten litres per hundred kilometres bracket.We had anticipated it being about 10 per cent better than that.
FACELIFT: Mazda’s very successful grille styling now has a complex mesh pattern.
BMW’s sporty electric city car
From page 1
Motorway driving, still in Comfort mode, gave an electric-only range of about 170 to 180 km. Enough to get from the Gold Coast to Brisbane and back again. The BMW i3 can be a ‘one-pedal’ car, as you can use the pedal on the right to increase and decrease speed. Indeed everyone we have spoken to about electric cars said they enjoy the challenge of not having to use the brake pedal. In the i3s we were able to make virtually all trips around town without using the brakes. The biggest plus of electric and hybrid vehicles is that energy is put back into the batteries when slowing down or descending a hill. There were times when we finished shortish downhill trips with more range than when we started. That brings a smile to the face. Tyres are 20mm wider than in the standard i3 and sit around 20-inch rims. Suspension changes in the i3s include a 10mm lower ride height, firmer springs and anti-roll bar and dampers. Ride comfort is generally good but isn’t a strong feature of the i3 range. In the i3s it’s firmer again and big bumps and dips can cause the suspension to crash at times. Road grip is fine, but frankly it doesn’t feel like a sports model. The steering feel
remains on the the dead side and there’s nothing like the feedback you get on even the lowest cost conventional BMWs. Using the Sport mode changes throttle response, which is great. It also changes the steering feel, but we still wanted more. The battery-only BMW i3s is priced at $69,900, with the range-extender adding $6000. Given the significantly increased range we wouldn’t be surprised if some buyers opt for the battery only model. Less money, more performance as it is lighter, plus longer range are all appealing features. The battery pack is designed to last for the life of the car and is covered by an eight-year or 100,000km battery warranty. SUMMING UP The sheer joy of life provided by the instant acceleration of the BMW i3s is its biggest attraction. But we are not sure it really qualifies as a sports model that will have you getting you out of bed early on a Sunday morning to head for the hills. CHARGING Part of all our road testing program of electric and plugin hybrid vehicles is to take them to our local shopping centre at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast. When we rolled up we discovered the ChargePoint charging cables wouldn’t
fit into our car. A phone call to the BMW i3 specialist told us the i3s is using the latest Type 2 technology that’s common in Europe. Standard i3 models in Australia use Type 1 units. Adaptors to use the Type 1 cables are available at a cost of about $300, but BMW hasn’t tested these and therefore could not recommend them. ChargePoint tells us it has heard of no problems with adaptors and that it will have Type 2 chargers join Type 1 within a few weeks, probably by mid July. A call to the EV Council of Australia led to a somewhat frustrated specialist talking about the lack of interest at all levels of the Australian government on electric cars.
I too, have written about this government inaction on many occasions - but still nothing has happened. And our governments like to boast that Australia is a high-tech country…
3
June 8 - 14 | 2018
SPORTY PEOPLE MOVER: The well-priced seven-seat Peugeot 5008 is shaping up to take on premium SUV rivals.
French Fizz By DEREK OGDEN PEUGEOT traditionally was known for its top-performing hatchbacks and stylish saloons. Although a few years ago it did dip its toes into the deep end of the car pool with what it called a ‘people carrier’. A new interpretation of the family wagon, the 5008, which looked, and behaved suspiciously like a people mover, says the French maker, was an economical seven-seater offering a responsive drive and good road holding with quality interior that was versatile and spacious. Now, Peugeot maintains, in response to the global appetite for sport utility vehicles, it has launched its all-new 5008 in Australia, which while the name has not changed, everything else has. Designed from the ground up, the all-new Peugeot 5008 has moved from being a practical multi-purpose vehicle to a versatile seven-seat SUV with premium offerings at mid-market prices. Dumping the previous Active entry-level variant, the new 5008 comes onto the market in Allure specification at $42,990, plus on-road costs, before moving up to the GT Line, $46,990, and range-topping GT, $52,990. STYLING On the outside, the Allure takes on the standard SUV styling, adding its own character with an outsize Peugeot Lion dominating the centre of the upright radiator grille. Chrome and black headlamps, incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights, flank the set-up, wrapping round the sides. In profile, the vehicle features detailing, including chrome highlights for the windows and black lower wheel guards, normally found only on premium models. Both add to the vehicles’ SUV stance and protect the bodywork from potential damage off the bitumen. INTERIOR The cabin speaks to quality all round . . . from the smart material upholstery (leather is a $2500 option) to stand-out satin chrome switches on the lower dashboard.
added to ‘7-up’ mix
There’s a fully digital heads-up instrument panel, centrally-positioned touchscreen with 3-D navigation, DAB digital audio, voice recognition and smartphone wireless induction charging. INFOTAINMENT Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit offers occupants an 8-inch touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch, high-resolution digital head-up instrument panel which includes easy-to-read animated graphics and quick transitions between modes. The screen can also be customised and configured to display dials, navigation and the onboard computer in two graphic styles. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The Allure and GT Line feature a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an intercooler. Power output is 121 kW at 6000 rpm and torque 240 Nm at 1400 rpm. The turbocharged, 2.0-litre, fourcylinder diesel for GT has high-pressure, common-rail direct injection and develops 133 kW at 3750 rpm and 400 Nm at 2000 rpm. It also features Stop / Start technology. Both engines are mated to Peugeot’s own six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. SAFETY Standard across the 5008 range, among an array of active and passive systems, is leading-edge autonomous emergency braking in which distance alert warns if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle or pedestrian ahead. Then the automatic emergency braking system comes into play if the driver fails to react quickly enough by applying the brakes, helping avoid or reduce the severity of any impact. A full suite of airbags includes curtain airbags that extend to third-row passengers, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, high beam assist, speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, adaptive cruise control with stop feature, park assist and Visio Park (360-degree vision). Active lane keeping assist is optional on Allure, while Advanced Grip Control,
including new hill descent control, which optimises slip resistance with five grip modes - normal, snow, mud, sand, ESP off - via a central console dial and 18inch all-season tyres, is an option on all models. DRIVING Underpinning the 5008 SUV is the highly-awarded Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) that also features in the Peugeot 308 hatch, and 3008 SUV. As for being a seven-seater, in sports car terms the 5008 is really a 5+2. Settling into the third row of seats has comfort being left at the door. Limited leg room is on offer even with the second row fully forward. It’s not for a full-house family safari. On the other hand, third-row occupants can take advantage of automatic two-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents. Each seat weighs just under 11 kg and can easily be removed using a single control to unlock it. Removed, boot volume expands to 1060 litres and courtesy of the folding front passenger’s seat, loads measuring up to 3.20m long can be carried. Without the bulk of some premium rivals, the 5008 SUV has car-like characteristics, moving away smoothly
under full turbo power and settling in to a relaxed drive in traffic or cruising the highway. Braking also makes use of the vehicle’s relatively light weight. Fuel consumption on test turned out to be 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs, reduced to a flat 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres at motorway speeds. Steering is accurate with positive feedback from the road, while the suspension copes with minor surface bitumen blemishes but feels the effect of more serious surface damage with an accompanying clunk or two. SUMMING UP Peugeot 5008 is an exceptionally wellequipped seven-seat SUV at a price that should give food for thought to the makers of premium product rivals.
4
June 8 - 14 | 2018
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
offered with high-performance engine
By EWAN KENNEDY ALFA Romeo has added a highperformance model to its Stelvio SUV range. Stelvio Ti (Turismo Internazionale) features a highly tuned version of the 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine used in the other models in their range. It is turbocharged and intercooled to provide 206 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque from just 1750 to 4800 revs, an impressive spread. The sports eight-speed automatic shifts ratios in less than 100 milliseconds, drives all four wheels and gets the zero to 100 km/h sprint covered in just 5.7 seconds. 7KH 6WHOYLR 7L LV ² WWHG ZLWK Frequency Selective Dampers (FSD) by Koni. A hydraulic damping solution, road inputs allow the shock absorber to change the level of damping by way of a frequency sensitive valve incorporated into the dampers. For those who want to get really serious an option for the Stelvio Ti is Alfa Active Suspension (AAS). This is a semi-active system in which a solenoid valve PRGL² HV WKH K\GUDXOLF ³ RZ LQVLGH the shock absorber, changing the damping characteristics of the suspension setup. All Stelvios already have a bias to rear wheel drive in their power delivery. This is enhanced
„ BELISSIMO: Italian lines and an Italian high-performance engine, isn’t life great?
in the Ti through the addition of a mechanical limited slip differential (LSD) for the rear driveline. The Ti comes standard with a 400-Watt, 10-speaker sound system. Serious audiophiles can choose an optional $1500 Harman/Kardon 900 Watt 14-speaker premium sound system. High tech infotainment features
include smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there’s ‘Voice to Text’ and ‘Text to Voice’ messaging, satellite QDYLJDWLRQ ZLWK OLYH WUDI² F DQG ‘Best Route’ capability. The Stelvio is one of the safest vehicles in its segment, having DFKLHYHG D ² YH VWDU $1&$3 safety rating. This was achieved with a 97 per cent score for protection of adult occupants.
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2011 Hyosung Aquila 650 Classic, Vic rego (1D1CU), Lams approved with many extras, only 4000km, suit new buyer, $4500 ono. Ph 0418 573 084.
BMW X3, Turbo Diesel 3 litre Auto, Bluetooth, leather, sunroof, tow bar, tint windows, RWC, Vic Reg (UWB011), excellent condition, $10,500 ono. Ph 0428 690 267.
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2006 Holden Rodeo, diesel, 213,000km, long range tank, roll out drawers, cooper tyres, excellent condition, (TWC700), 12,000lb winch, $12,500. Ph 0427 223 379.
AUDI, 1.8ltr, 2004, current R.W., black, 160,000km, petrol, auto, (1MD9TL), $3200. Ph 0435 067 689.
AUDI A4 Avant wagon, 2009, auto, 1.8lt turbo, leather seats, sunroof, new tyres, 174,000km (engine 68,000km), RWC supplied, rego (XCD279), $9800 ono. Ph 0447 942 980.
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2003 Benz E240, 190,000km, new tyres, V6, 6 months rego (YJV232), $10,000 with RWC, $9500 without. Ph 0438 217 103.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sports for sale, 6 speed 4x4 manual, $16,000 ono, RWC, well maintained vehicle, 4 door, 5 seats soft top, great vehicle, (UTE947). Contact Andrew or Chantal 0428 167 843.
2012 Nissan Navara dual cab ute, 192,500km, (YXU623), 11 months rego, full service history, b u l l b a r, s i d e s t e p s , driving lights and towbar, $19,000. Contact Carole on 0437 446 519.
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1998 NissanUD TD, 386,827km, 210hp, 6.7m long tray (box not included), rego (04507P), $23,500. Ph 0428 774 190. NISSAN Pulsar 1999, 2 4 8 , 0 0 0 k m s , r eg o (QIF328), new tyres, excellent condition, manual. Good learners ďŹ rst car, $2800. Ph 0411 635 818.
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