JANUARY 17 - 23 | 2020
Kluger ‘club’ turns into big following
Ŷ OLD SCHOOL: The Kluger takes its bold outward cues from the traditional 4WD wagon LIKE the classic hymn book, there’s some- By DEREK OGDEN thing ancient and something modern about This has not gone unnoticed in Australthe Kluger. For starters (literally) the engine in the entry-level GX is fired up by turning the ig- ia where it has sold its socks off, passing nition key in a steering column-mounted lock, 170,000 sales including record sales last year of 14,743 vehicles, making it the best-selling rather than a push button – old school. Then the parking brake is operated by a 2WD / AWD vehicle in the large SUV segpedal – a thing of the past that still hangs on ment. Earlier this year, at the New York Internain one or two new vehicles. Not that the large Toyota sports utility vehicle is creaking at the tional Auto Show, Toyota unveiled the fourth generation of the Kluger, upping the ante in joints. Among the latest in automotive technology safety, comfort, quality and reliability. The new-generation Kluger will be on board is autonomous emergency braking launched first in the United States where it is and a host of driver aids. The Kluger has found its niche as a fam- known as Highlander. Timing for its Australian ily car, with seven seats, plenty of space, introduction has not yet been determined. The Kluger, as Highlander, goes some way powerful petrol engine and a two-wheel drive option, trimming the weight, price and to explaining why the car’s computer registers fuel consumption in the Japanese way fuel consumption.
as kilometres per litre, as opposed to the way Down Under as litres per hundred kilometres. Anyway, during my time with a thirdgen Kluger GX all-wheel drive test vehicle ($48,850, plus on roads), I became adept at converting fuel consumption roughly in my head, so I, at least, learnt something. STYLING In looks, the Kluger steers more to the bulky traditional four-wheel drive wagon, rather than the more modern sleek coupe crossover SUV styling. Styling includes refreshed front and rear with a new grille, LED taillights, newly designed alloy wheels unique to each grade (18inch on GX) and full-size alloy spare. An optional polished nudge bar helps to protect the vehicle from minor knocks, while
adding to the Kluger’s bold street presence. INTERIOR The Kluger boasts more upmarket interiors of better quality, plus premium materials than previously. Every model has cruise control, electric power steering, six-speaker display audio with Toyota Link internet connection, privacy glass and power-adjustable exterior mirrors. Cabin surroundings are plain but far from poor quality. INFOTAINMENT The entertainment system has echoes of the past with a miniature 6.1-inch touch screen in the GX. The system includes AM / FM radio, CD player and USB. Ŷ Continued page 2
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January 17 - 23 | 2020
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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport updated By EWAN KENNEDY MITSUBISHI has given its Pajero Sport a solid update for the 2020 season. It has a facelift, improved lighting, a revised dash and console area, added comfort in the seats and clearer instrument and infotainment screens. Finally a powered tailgate on most models makes loading simpler. The stylists have given the latest iteration of the Dynamic Shield styling, with the projector headlamps positioned outboard of the daytime running lights in a continuation of the grille. There's a higher bonnet leading edge. The aim is to give a ‘Tuff ’ look, something that's important in this market segment. The side step is mounted higher for better ground clearance, continuing the fact that the Pajero Sport is a genuine off-roader. External visibility has been improved by moving the LED stop lamp away from the tail lamp. Updated Pajero Sport rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, with a six twin-spoke design. An 8-inch colour LCD (Exceed only) houses the speedometer, tachometer and other vehicle information displays. The status of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is displayed in an easy-to-read format in the cluster for any chosen mode. It uses an 8-inch touchscreen monitor to offer
entertainment, navigation and heads-free functions The centre console has a more modern shape. Lower trays have been added to the dashboard forward of the shift lever and under the tunnel-type floor console, allowing access from both sides, giving improved utility and convenience. An electric parking brake can be engaged or released using a switch on the centre console. While engaged, the vehicle will remain stationary, even if the driver takes their foot off the brake pedal. Cleverly, the parking brake can only be released if the driver has their foot on the brake pedal or the gear lever is in Park (P). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (not available on Pajero Sport GLX) uses radar to accelerate, slow down or stop as it tracks the vehicle ahead. The system assists drivers to maintain a designated vehicle speed, as it maintains one of three designated vehicle separation distances. New Pajero Sport is fitted for the first time with a Power Tailgate (not currently on GLX). A hands-free access uses an kick-motion sensor under the rear bumper to give hands-free automatic operation of the tailgate by kick motion. Note the the Pajero Sport isn't a variant of the standard Mitsubishi Pajero, but a vehicle in its own right.
Ŷ REFRESHED: Stronger styling, particularly at the front, gives the Pajero Sport a ‘Tuff ’ look.
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Genesis GV80 is the company's first luxury SUV Ŷ SNEAK PEEK: Shadowy outlines of pictures released by Genesis of its GV80 show a bold shape, particularly in the huge grille.
By EWAN KENNEDY GENESIS has teased us with the first official images of the GV80, the first sportutility vehicle for the very ambitious South Korean marque. The photos are deliberately fuzzy but do give a fair idea of what it will look like. Obviously, addition pics will be released in coming weeks and months. Though it visually looks like a large SUV, the GV80 is a competitor for the BMW X5, presumably leaving space for an even larger model, possibly tagged GV90. Genesis GV80 will be built on a rearwheel-drive / all-wheel drive platform This vehicle is a development of the
GV80 Concept introduced at the 2017 New York auto show and is a collaboration between the Genesis Design studios in South Korea, the USA and Germany. Signature Genesis design elements are an extra large grille with what genesis calls ultra slim Quad Lamps. Sang Yup Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Genesis Design added “The Quad Lamp, our design signature, introduces an unmistakable visual impression completely unique to Genesis.” Set to launch globally in 2020, GV80 will commence sales in the home market of South Korea in January with Australia to follow later in the year. More details will be provided closer to launch.
Kluger ‘club’ turns into big following Ŷ From page 1 ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The addition of direct-injection technology for Kluger's powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine makes for 218 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque, both figures up on the previous motor. The engine also delivers greater fuel-efficiency, which is capably united with a new automatic transmission that offers eight ratios compared with the superseded model's six gears. SAFETY Standard Kluger safety equipment includes seven airbags, reversing camera, reverse-parking sensors, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, and hill-start assist. To this has been added autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and rear parking distance control.
DRIVING Following a foray with the Kluger GX a year ago, it seems little has changed. Its bold looks hide a passenger sedan-smooth ride and handling on bitumen, with steering, at times, a bit loose. A city slicker by nature, with little bush breeding, its size can be a problem when parking the GX in skinny spaces found in some car parks. The range-topping Grande, with panoramic view monitor, its four cameras presenting an all-round view of the vehicle, would take much of the stress out of manoeuvring here. With more than two tonnes to cart around, Kluger's Dynamic Torque Control AWD is a welcome inclusion, helping the driver to get maximum traction and cornering stability from the vehicle while saving fuel. Steep slopes can be managed with ease thanks to downhill assist (AWD only) and hillstart assist giving crucial brake and accelerator support when needed most. With the optional genuine tow bar, tow ball, trailer wiring harness and load distri-
bution hitch, Kluger delivers a maximum braked towing capacity of 2000 kg, 700 kg without stoppers. The compact, lightweight system controls torque distribution automatically between the front and rear axles. It saves fuel, says Toyota, by driving only the front wheels when the vehicle is cruising, switching to AWD when needed. Officially, on the combined urban / highway cycle, AWD Kluger GX uses just 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The test vehicle’s best was 6.1 litres on the motorway and up to 15 litres around town. If a couple of kids are among the cargo, they can be accommodated reasonably comfortably over short journeys in two popup third-row seats. Getting in and out is still a problem with a large step up and limited slide of the second row, the latter improved on next year’s model. Storage is generous, with cup holders all round (eight all up) and a centre console box of kids’ cubby house proportions.
SUMMING UP When the Kluger came out in 2003 it was a mid-size SUV non-entity. Sixteen years later the Kluger GX is a large SUV with a big following. What’s more, things are about to get better, with the MY20 model, at sharp pricing and specs, worth waiting for. Meanwhile, make an offer to your local dealer, there could be run-out savings in the offing.
AT A GLANCE MODEL: 3.5 GX AWD ENGINE: 3.5L V6 MAX POWER: 218 kW @ 6600 rpm MAX TORQUE: 350 Nm @ 4700 rpm DRIVELINE: Eight speed automatic FUEL TANK: 72 litres, petrol ECONOMY: 9.5L/100km (combined)
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January 17 - 23 | 2020
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2020 Kia Seltos GT line By EWAN KENNEDY KIA Seltos is the Korean company's new entrant in the rapidly expanding small SUV market. It joins big brother Sportage and aims to pull sales away from the big-selling, low-priced Mitsubishi ASX, as well as others in a crowded field. It's well priced, with the Seltos S FWD at $25,990 and the Seltos GT Line AWD for $41,990 - driveway in both cases. Seltos is offered with two-wheel-drive (the front wheels) as well as AWD, with the latter it can be termed an SUV rather than simply a tall hatch. However, it really is aimed at a city and suburban shopping, school runs and commuting rather than as a bush explorer. It is available in four specification levels: Seltos S, Sport, Sport+ and GT Line. The topline Seltos GT Line, the subject of our review, has a sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, interior mood lighting, fast wireless phone charger, premium artificial leather seats, powered driver and front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats. Outside it has the added safety of LED headlights, daylight running lights and front foglights. STYLING Kia Seltos is smaller than its very popular big brother Kia Sportage. It features a chunky shape that's at the forefront the latest thinking in small SUV design. These see a large grille with an array of lights built to the side, and stylish lower area that has a solid look thanks to the expansion at the corners. Likewise, the rear is wide, with a central style-bar the expands the visual appearance. As at the front the rear’s lower area has a solid look. Of particularly interest are the high lines that swoop up at the rear-sides and act as supports for smallish rear spoiler. In fact, there’s every chance the Kia Seltos will sell on style alone. Starbright Yellow is a standard colour. Premium colours ($520) Neptune Blue, Gravity Grey, Mars Orange, Snow White Pearl, Steel Grey and Cherry Black. A two-tone treatment is available on Sel-
tos GT Line at no extra cost for Clear White with Cherry Black Roof and Starbright Yellow with Cherry Black roof. INTERIOR Inside, Seltos is less adventurous, with a conventional layout of dual instruments that are a good size and easy to see at a glance. The horizontal central screen is links neatly with the the instrument and fairs well into the smallish area in front of the passenger. INFOTAINMENT The instrument panel has a 10.25-inch screen with split-screen functionality. This allows users to control or monitor numerous vehicle features. The driver can choose to have a single display (such as navigation) or combine different elements on-screen. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are easy to connect to. The eight-speaker BOSE premium sound system in the topline Seltos in which we spent the week provides excellent quality.
Ŷ ANOTHER URBAN RUNABOUT: New Seltos has a chunky shape that's at the forefront of the latest in small SUV design.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The Kia Seltos S, Sport and Sport+ frontwheel drive are powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine producing 110 kW and 180 Nm coupled to a new-design CVT. Sport+ and GT Line all wheel drive has a 1.6-litre direct injection engine producing 130 kW and 265 Nm. It's mated to a sevenspeed dual-clutch auto. SAFETY Kia Seltos is highly likely to be awarded the maximum of five stars in official tests when they are carried out. It has a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems, including Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management system, incorporating traction control and electronic stability control. Anti-lock Braking System, Brake-force Assist System a Traction Control System, Automatic wipers and Lane Following Assist. A very useful feature is Safe Exit Alert which warns if a vehicle is passing within a distance that could impact your doors. DRIVING With my tall (179cm) body in the driver’s
seat there's not a lot of space for a similar sized person behind me, with some compromising there's enough room for us both. As with all Kia models in Australia, the ride and handling characteristics of the car have been optimised to provide the experience Australian drivers have come to expect. The 130 kilowatt engine has plenty of punch and turbo lag is minimal off the line. Get it into the right gear ahead of time and you could almost call it a sports hatch. The steering feel is excellent and really does signal to the driver what is happening at the front of the car. Multiple changes of direction on the twisting country road of our test route are made with ease. It’s a neat little car to ride in and is generally as smooth and quiet as cars of this size around town. However, it creates quite a racket on some motorway concrete surfaces and isn't overly happy on country roads in that are poor condition.
SUMMING UP It's taken a long time for Kia to entry the small SUV market but this little South Korean machine seems assured of success. The Seltos is covered by Kia’s sevenYear Warranty, seven-Year Capped Price Service and seven-Year Roadside assistance program.
AT A GLANCE MODEL: S five door wagon ENGINE: 2.0L four cylinder MAX POWER: 110 kW @ 6200 rpm MAX TORQUE: 180 Nm @ 4500 rpm DRIVELINE: Eight speed automatic FUEL TANK: 50 litres, standard unleaded ECONOMY: 6.8L/100km (combined)
2019 New car sales down By EWAN KENNEDY THE Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released new vehicle sales results for calendar year 2019. A total of 1,062,867 new vehicles were recorded as sold, a 7.8 per cent decrease on full year 2018. The 2019 figure of 1,062,867 is the lowest annual sales result reported in VFACTS since 2011. On a monthly basis, 84,239 new vehicle sales were recorded for December 2019, a decrease of 3.8 per cent from December 2018.
Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, commented at the release of the sales results. “Regarding the actual new vehicle sales results: 2019 reflects a tough year for the Australian economy, with challenges including tightening of lending, movements in exchange rates, slow wages growth and, of course, the extreme environmental factors our country is experiencing,” Mr Weber said. Mr Weber noted the continuing adjustment for motoring consumers, with the 2019 year seeing a further shift to SUV
sales which now hold 45.5 per cent of the total market, a 2.5 percentage point increase from 2018. Continuing the full year comparison, light commercial vehicle share grew by 0.6 percentage points to claim 21.2 per cent of the market, while passenger motor vehicles decreased by 3.1 percentage points to 29.7 per cent. While holding the largest share of market, sales of SUVs declined for full year 2019 by 2.4 per cent compared to 2018, sales of passenger vehicles declined by 16.5 per cent and sales of light commercial
vehicles declined by 5.2 per cent. The Toyota HiLux was again the number one selling vehicle in 2019 across all categories, with 47,649 sales. The HiLux was followed by the Ford Ranger, again number two in the market with 40,960 sales, followed by the Toyota Corolla (30,468), the Hyundai i30 (28,378) and the Mitsubishi Triton (25,819). Across the marques, Toyota led the market in 2019 with 19.4 per cent market share, followed by Mazda (9.2 per cent), Hyundai (8.1 per cent), Mitsubishi (7.8 per cent) and Ford (6.0 per cent).
January 17 - 23 | 2020
> available online - www.nemedia.com.au
4
Mitsubishi Pajero 2006 - 2018
Ĺś 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero
Ĺś 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero
By EWAN KENNEDY MITSUBISHI Pajero was arguably the ďŹ rst affordable 4WD that was a family wagon rather than a truck-based 4WD when it was launched here in 1983. It was originally a body-on-chassis 4WD, but became a monocoque for improved ride and comfort in 2000. Good engineering meant the post-2000 models retained similar strength to the chassis models. Almost all of these early Pajeros are all likely to by past their use by date, so we will begin the used review with the the new generation
EXPECT TO PAY $4000 TO $7000: 2006 GLX $8000 TO $12,000: 2007 Exceed $11,000 TO $16,000: 2009 Exceed $14,000 TO $20,000: 2011 VR-X $17,000 TO $24,000: 2013 GLX-R $20,000 TO $27,000: 2013 Exceed $23,000 TO $31,000: 2016 GLX $29,000 TO $40,000: 2018 GLX $38,000 TO $49,000: 2018 Exceed.
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in December 2006. Midway through 2013 Pajero was brought right up to date in its infotainment and safety equipment. These models are popular with buyers who can't come up with the dollars to buy a brand new one. Pajero comes as a station wagon with either two or four passenger doors. The two-door was never particularly popular and imports stopped with the all-new model of 2000. Then reappeared with the when the new model was launched at the start of end of 2006, but was again taken off the new car list in 2011 due to lack of buyer interest. All short-wheelbase Pajeros have ďŹ ve seats, the long-wheelbase models have either ďŹ ve or seven. The rearmost two seats in the seven-seat models are better suited to kids than adults but with a bit of squeezing the Pajero can handle seven grown-ups. All petrols under review here are 3.8-litre V6s. These have pretty good torque for their type but can be thirsty in serious off-road driving. Diesel power is preferred by most buyers, the large four-cylinder units, 2.8 then 3.2 litres, have good torque and seem to enjoy hard work. Pajero is offered in manual and automatic transmissions, with the latter being almost universal in later years. Mitsubishi’s sophisticated Super Select drivetrain permits the use of all-wheel-drive under any circumstance. For example, safe traction on
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wet sealed roads if you opt for AWD, or lower fuel consumption on dry dirt roads if you go for 2WD. AWD can be engaged or disengaged on the y at any speed up to 100 km/h. The Australian Mitsubishi dealer network is long established and well-organised. Spare parts are generally available for all but the oldest models. Prices can be relatively high as 4WD bits are more rugged and can come as a surprise if you've only owned sedans in the past. Insurance premiums are about average for this class and there doesn’t seem to be much difference of opinion on the insurance risk amongst the major insurance companies. Note that the Pajero Sport launched at the end of 2015 is actually a replacement for the outgoing Challenger, not an additional version of the standard Pajero range. WHAT TO LOOK FOR If you suspect a Pajero has been used offroad look for damage to door sills, door surfaces and bumper corners. Be very wary if the protection plates have been pushed up onto the mechanical items move them. Check out the interior carefully because carting bored kids about can be tough on any vehicle. Damage to the cargo area is another sign of hard use. Poor engine maintenance is hard on turbos and can lead to complete failure if the
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HONDA 2001 VTR 1000, reg (BI346), very C R O W N L I N E good condition, $3500. MITSUBISHI Triton 19SS, V8 MerCruiser, Ph 0481 129 432. Dual Cab, 9/2012, generous family boat, manual, diesel, excellent condition, 109,000km, full service including all books, Motoring history, good tyres, in the North East RWC, side steps, tow service records, safety Sell your hitch, Vic reg (ZKY366), gear, covers, skis, ski ono. Ph 0466 vests and large biscuit. motorbike $14,800 393 574. Present owner no longer TOYOTA Yaris YRS, get using boat, $32,500. Ph from 2 weeks 92,000km, 2010, auto, * in $ 0488 444 650. air/con, power steer, 9 papers *Cond apply. cruise, Vic or NSW RWC, (1HH5CI), $9890. Ph 5723 0101 CLASSIFIEDS - 5723 0101 classiďŹ eds@nemedia.com.au 03 5723 0101 Ph 0458 265 318.
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oil hasn't been changed on time. Check the service book. Look for diesel smoke at the exhaust during your road test. Also listen for noisy engines as timing chains are known to have problems at times. Look at the condition of the oil on the dipstick. If it's too dark call a professional. Be sure all gears in a manual box engage easily and that the clutch is light and quiet in its action. Automatic transmissions should go into Drive and Reverse promptly and easily. Listen for, and feel for, noises and roughness in the complete driveline. Ideally this should be carried out not just on-road but in off-road conditions. The latter doesn't have to be in serious low-range territory - but if the seller agrees it can be done. Make sure the brakes pull the Pajero up evenly, even on dirt. CAR BUYING TIP Engine troubles can be expensive, unless you're comfortable in your mechanical knowledge, or that of a friend, don’t skimp on getting a full inspection carried out. RECALLS To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/ transport/cars/.
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