North East Motor Guide

Page 1

AUGUST 16 - 22 | 2019

Haval H2-OH: The watered-down wagon

Ŷ COMPACT: The Haval H2 compact SUV is basic but more than matches the opposition on price and warranty. By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring STYLING Nothing cute and swoopy about the Haval H2; it’s a flat nose and straight sides with a roof line that curtsies rather than bows at the back. The prominent wheel arches take standard 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. The rear features a roof spoiler with Haval badging across the hatch door and a diffuser with chrome exhaust tips on either side. The large upright radiator grille is made up of horizontal chrome slats with sleek headlamp units running off on either side. Halogen main beams and reflector halogen high-beam units wear LEDs a-la string of pearls. Foglamps are in a blacked-out area un-

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der the bumper, with another line of LED daytime running lights below. The top LEDs operate in tandem with the headlights, while the lower units come on when the headlights are off. INTERIOR Inside, the theme is basic 101. The dashtop is modern soft-touch but buttons and analogue instruments hark back years, as do cheap-feel standard cloth trim and plastic steering wheel. Space is good enough not to cramp occupants, but four up is preferable to five. The Haval’s 300-litre cargo capacity is below average for the class but can be improved with the 60:40 rear seat backs folded. The spare wheel is a full-size 18-inch steel rim with space-saving tyre.

INFOTAINMENT The LCD screen is tiny by present-day standards and is situated underneath a CD slot. Graphics are sparse, while the air-con strip with temperature setting, is cramped. The audio is four-speaker, with Bluetooth connectivity and single compact disc player. Unlike sound-muting in many cars, sound cuts out altogether when the car is in reverse. We don’t like that, believe us, designers we can actually listen to music and reverse at the same time. A 3.5-inch screen between the tacho and speedometer displays fuel consumption and distance information, but no digital speed reading. And there’s not even a whisper of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Ŷ Continued page 2 j/21d13123-v50/2319

HAVAL’S ongoing improvement of the H2 sees the small sports utility vehicle pick up a range of advanced automotive systems. However, the Chinese-made compact SUV continues to fall short of the best in breed, such as the Mitsubishi ASX and Mazda CX-3. What it does not lag behind in is the pricing, which can add up to $5000 or more for the entry-level model – in this case the Haval City 2WD manual at $19,990. The automatic City on test adds $1000. Standard features include keyless entry and start, reverse parking sensors, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, LED daytime running lights, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, and cloth trim.

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August 16 - 22 | 2019

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

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Haval H2-OH: The watered-down wagons Ŷ From page 1 ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The compact Haval H2 City auto is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 110 kW at 5600 rpm and maximum torque of 210 Nm 2200 rpm. The motor is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, putting power to ground through the front wheels. SAFETY Airbags add up to six - dual front, dual front side, and dual curtain - and the H2 City boasts ABS anti-locking brakes with brake assist, emergency brake distribution, electronic stability program, rear parking sensors, tyrepressure monitoring and emergency braking lights. But forget about autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts or adaptive cruise control. There’s no reversing camera. The Haval H2 scored a maximum fivestar ANCAP rating in 2017. It is debatable it would make the grade with today’s criteria. DRIVING They say patience is a virtue and the Haval H2 City automatic called on this from the word go. The SUV was slow to get off the mark and just as slow to get up to any sort of traffic speed, even with the right foot firmly planted. Filtering into moving traffic continued to be a

AT A GLANCE SPECIFICATIONS: (Haval H2 City 1.5-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, automatic 2WD SUV) CAPACITY: 1497 cc CONFIGURATION: 1.5-litre, 4 cylinder, sixspeed automatic MAXIMUM POWER: 110 kW @ 5600 rpm MAXIMUM TORQUE: 210 Nm @ 2200 rpm FUEL TYPE: Petrol 95 RON COMBINED CYCLE (ADR 81/01): 9 litres per 100 km

Ŷ BACK TO BASICS: The haval delivers what it promises. chore. On the upside, the motor is quiet. Premium petrol was a shock, and with test car fuel consumption topping 9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 5.3 on the motorway, put up running costs considerably. Manoeuvring the Haval was without problems, but I did miss the reversing camera when parking. As for towing, the H2 is limited to 750 kg for an unbraked trailer and 1200 kg braked. Cabin comfort was challenged by firm

seating, while air-con turned out to be lottery. It was either ‘on’ or ‘off ’, despite the control knob indicating a range of dial-up temperatures. SUMMING UP It you’re happy to forgo the finer

things in Lilliputian SUV life, like touchscreen and reversing camera, digital radio and quality sound, and put up with premium petrol prices, the H2 could be for you. And don’t forget the sharp pricing and seven-year warranty.

CO2 emissions 208 g / km DRIVELINE: DRIVETRAIN: Six-speed automatic, frontwheel drive DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES: LENGTH: 4335 mm WIDTH: 1814 mm HEIGHT: 1695 mm WHEELBASE: 2560 mm KERB WEIGHT: 1529 kg FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 55 litres BRAKES: FRONT: Ventilated discRear: Disc WARRANTY: 7 years / unlimited kilometres

New four-cylinder Mustang is on the way Ŷ POWERFUL: The new High Performance 2.3L will be the most powerful four-cylinder Mustang yet.

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring HOT on the heels of previewing its upcoming Mustang GT 5.0L Fastback variant Ford Australia has now unveiled its new Mustang High Performance 2.3L the fourcylinder replacement for the current EcoBoost model due here in February 2020. Mustang has been back on Australian roads – and now racetracks – for nearly four years and for each of the past three has been our biggest selling sportscar. As with other Mustang models the High Performance 2.3L Mustang will be offered in both Fastback and Convertible body styles and will come with number of distinctive vis-

ual features including a new front grille and splitter, stand-alone badging with an offset red-white-and-blue design Pony tribar front at front and rear, machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, premium Brembo brakes with red front calipers and four new colours. The MY2010 2.3L Convertible comes with an acoustic retracting roof system that can be opened or closed in approximately seven seconds. Interior improvements include the use of more premium, tactile materials and textured interior finishes, a fully customisable 12.4-inch digital instrument, spun aluminium instrument panel, standard leather-upholstery or optional leather Recaro sports seats.

The High Performance 2.3L Mustang is powered by a Ford Performance-developed 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 236 kW at 6200 rpm and 448 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm which, according to Ford, makes it the highest output yet for a road-going four-cylinder Mustang. Ford attributes the improvement over the current turbocharged 2.3-litre engine to the use of a larger twin-scroll turbocharger, as used in the Ford Performance Focus RS as well as extra aluminium for strength, durability and reduced weight. MagneRide suspension, as coming in the Mustang GT, is available as an option with the High Performance 2.3L models.

Transmission options will be a traditional six-speed manual or an advanced 10-speed paddleshift automatic. Chassis enhancements provide improved weight distribution while thicker front and rear stabiliser bars bring greater control and compliance. The standard machine-faced 19-inch alloy wheels come with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres Standard safety features include Driver Assist Technology including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto-levelling headlights and automatic high beam. The Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system includes Emergency Assist, an 8.0-inch fullcolour reversing camera display, as well as built-in sat-nav with complimentary mapping updates for up to seven years. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available. All Ford vehicles now come with a five year / unlimited kilometre standard warranty. In addition the Ford Service Benefits program provides a number of benefits including capped logbook servicing for the first four years or 60,000km for eligible customers; a service loan car, Motoring Club membership (including Roadside Assistance), and SYNC 3 satellite navigation updates. Pricing information for the new Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L will be provided closer to the car’s Australian launch in February 2020.


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August 16 - 22 | 2019

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

Benz big guns have sights on close rivals

Ŷ PREMIUM SUV: The new Mercedes-Benz GLE, with a long wheelbase, short overhangs and large, flush fitted wheels, is poised to make a push into the premium SUV market. By DEREK OGDEN Mercedes-Benz is wheeling out the big guns to take on the opposition, such as Audi, BMW, Range Rover, Volvo, Jaguar and Porsche, plus the odd Johnny-comelately like Bentley and Maserati, in the premium sports utility segment. New from the ground up, the MercedesBenz in question, the GLE, comes to market in Australia with a fresh look and a range of new-generation engines, plus the innovative driver-vehicle connectivity of the Mercedes me Connect system. The fourth generation large SUV, which originally started out as the M-Class, has got bigger than the vehicle it takes over from. There’s more room inside – 70 mm extra legroom in the rear - with a third row of seats available on all models. A new series of engines, including a powerful inline six-cylinder petrol motor pumped up by the EQ Boost 48-volt electrical system with integrated starter / generator. 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard across the range. A 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged unit (180kW / 500Nm), mated with a 9GTronic nine-speed automatic transmission, is present in the GLE 300 d 4Matic, while a 3.0-litre, inline ‘six’ turbo-diesel motor powers the GLE 400 d 4Matic model producing 243 kW and 700 Nm, also via a 9G-Tronic auto transmission. A new 3.0-litre, turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine is paired with the EQ Boost 48-volt onboard electrical system in the GLE 450 4Matic. Also paired with the 9G-Tronic auto, it puts out 270 kW and 500 Nm, with the integrated starter / generator of the EQ Boost able to capture deceleration energy and use up to 16 kW and 250 Nm of electrical assistance to create more linear acceleration. On hand, also, is the Mercedes me Connect app, which allows the vehicle to be warmed up via the Remote Start system, doors can be locked or unlocked, the vehicle can be tracked or geofenced, an address can be sent to the vehicle navigation system, or nearby parking spaces found. The owner will also be automatically notified of upcoming maintenance needs and can connect to a call centre at the press of a button in the event of an ac-

cident or breakdown. The MBUX driver interface has been upgraded and is standard in the GLE. Focus of the system is side-by-side 12.3-inch digital screens, which present a mass of information in a clear and concise manner. This includes the acclaimed ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice recognition and the Mercedes me Connect system. A windscreenbased head-up display is now standard across the range. The interior also features Artico upholstery, multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, heated front seats, open-pore oak wood trim, DAB+ digital radio, and Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smart phone integration. To top it all off there is a network of comfort systems in the vehicle, using musical and lighting modes, while a number of massage programs offer a wide range of feel-good features. Although bigger than its predecessor, the new GLE has gained little weight, partly due to the use of plastic in its structure, while the lowest drag coefficient of any SUV in the market (Cd 0.29) is a significant improvement over the preceding model (Cd 0.32). External features include Multibeam LED headlights with high beam assist, aluminium roof rails and aluminium-look illuminated running boards, powered kick operated tailgate, park assistant, puddle lamps with the Mercedes-Benz logo, and 20-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels. Australia is blessed with an 85-litre fuel tank. Standard safety includes nine airbags, a 360-degree surround camera, parking assist, and driving assistance package incorporating distance assist, brake assist with cross-traffic function, steering assist, lane change assist, blind spot assist and crash preparation. New for the latest generation GLE is the option of E-Active Body Control in which road surfaces are scanned by on-board cameras to identify imperfections ahead and pre-adjust suspension settings, while curve-tilting function can lean the vehicle into bends, improving road-holding and passenger comfort. This feature also brings recent up-

dates to Dynamic Select enabling a more streamlined choice of driving characteristics. A full underbody guard is also included for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency with the Airmatic package, which includes air suspension and adaptive damping. A launch drive in and around Melbourne was limited to GLE 300 d models, some fitted with the optional air suspension. On a range of city and country roads of varying standards I found little difference in the ride of both vehicles, which I suppose, is a tribute to the fine tuning of both suspensions. Handling favoured the air suspension, which appeared more planted than the steel version, swinging through fast bends and tight corners with little body roll. Steering was responsive and was in touch with all road surfaces encountered, feeding a steady stream of good news back to the driver. Braking was assured and instantly available at the touch of the pedal. Interior space could not be found wanting, while visibility for the driver offered allround views. Potential buyers are expected to be

young families, aged 35 to 45 attracted by the GLE design, safety features and the seven-seat option and extensive cargo space. Towing capacity tops out at 3500 kg with the addition of a tow package at $1900. Prices range from $99,900 for the entry-level 300 d 4Matic diesel, through $111,341 for the 450 4Matic diesel to $118,142 for the 400 d 4Matic petrol. An AMG model will make an appearance next year.

AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 d 4Matic diesel $99,900 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic petrol $111,341 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 d 4Matic diesel $118,142 NOTE: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive-away prices.


August 16 - 22 | 2019

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> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

New Nissan Navara special edition By ALISTAIR KENNEDY, Marque Motoring NISSAN Australia has upgraded its Navara ute with a new allnew Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (AIVI) system featuring the larger touchscreen and now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its SL, ST and ST-X variants and also added a new special edition model called N-TREK. Navara N-TREK is based on the top spec Dual Cab 4X4 ST-X with enhancements that include a range of black Nissan genuine parts and accessories as well as a number of interior enhancements. Unlike recent limited edition Navara models like the SL-based Silverline and ST Black Edition the N-TREK will be a permanent ST-X alternative. The long list of black features includes 18-inch alloy wheels; fender flares; alloy sportsbar; body side decals; LED headlamp bezels; side steps, lower fascia and rear vision mirror caps all with an orange accent line; rear bumper; front grille; front fog lamp surround; roof rails and door handles; and N-TREK tailgate badge. Interior enhancements include leather-accented seats with orange fabric seat inserts and orange accent stitching on the seats, centre console, front door armrests and steering wheel. The driver’s seat is power adjustable with power lumber support and both front seats are heated. N-TREK is powered by Nissan’s 2.3-litre intercooled twin-turbo diesel engine that outputs 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque and is available with either manual and automatic transmissions. Braked towing capacity is 3500 kg. Three colours are offered: Cosmic Black, Slate Grey and White Diamond. New Navara N-TREK is priced at $56,450 with the six-speed manual gearbox and $58,950 for the seven-speed auto. All Nissan models are now covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre standard warranty.

Ŷ SPECIAL EDITION: The N-TREK is the new range-topping Navara.

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