JULY 19 - 25 | 2019
New Nissan Leaf drops hints of the future
Ŷ GAME CHANGER: Under cover of a conventional looking hatchback, says Nissan, the Leaf hides the future of motoring. By DEREK OGDEN 270 km with no nasty tailpipe emissions. Plugging into a 15A 240V home wall socket the Leaf will recharge from ‘battery low’ warning to full charge in around 24 hours. Alternatively, depending on the fast charger used, it takes about 7.5 hours from empty or with the more powerful box to 80 per cent full from low warning in just 60 minutes. But more than that, the Leaf has the capability of returning power from its battery to the grid for home or business use. This means the car can be charged during offpeak periods, say overnight, and plugged in to the home to power the kettle, cooker or even hairdryer in the morning high-rate period. Alternatively, the Leaf can be charged ‘on
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the run’ at any of 783 public stations around Australia, of which 69 are of the quick variety, doing the job in 60 minutes. Queensland government, for example, has installed a string of 18 DC chargers between Coolangatta and Cairns. Battery power is sent to the powertrain delivering 110 kW and 320 Nm, 38 per cent and 14 per cent more, respectively, than the previous Leaf. The motor is up to a third quieter than ICE / hybrid rivals. A feature of the set-up is the operation of the e-Pedal, which at the flick of a switch on the centre console, allows the vehicle to be driven using the accelerator alone. By simply taking the foot off the accelerator, the car comes to a smooth, gradual halt and is held without the use of the brake pedal. Thus, the need constantly to shift the
foot between pedals (that is if you’re not a left-foot braker), especially in heavy traffic, is reduced and driving becomes more relaxed. In aggressive braking situations, which Nissan puts at about 10 per cent of the time, the driver can return to using both feet. Both situations were given a solid workout during a launch drive in the Melbourne CBD and suburbs. With little practice, both situations were easy to use and stress free. Unruffled is the perfect description of the Leaf’s performance. To match the improved output of the electric motor and converter, engineers enhanced the car’s chassis to improve stability. Also, the heavy battery is situated at the centre of the body to achieve better balance than with a front-engine vehicle.
Ŷ Continued page 3 j/21d13123-v50/2319
WHO would have thought during the global fuel crisis of the 1970s that less than 50 years later motorists would be laughing in the face of the avaricious petrol barons at the demise of the internal combustion engine? The time has not come yet but if the development of electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf continues, that day is just around the corner. Light at the end of the tunnel. The Leaf first saw the light of day in 2010, arriving in Australia two years later. Since then more than 410,000 have been sold in 51 markets, making it one of the most popular electric vehicles in the world. In those days a 24kWh lithium-ion battery gave the Leaf a range of 170 kilometres. The new second generation Nissan Leaf, with its 40 kWh 350V battery, is capable of travelling
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July 19 - 25 | 2019
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Hyundai Tucson: new active variant introduced By EWAN KENNEDY FOR 2020 Hyundai has added a new Tucson Active variant, and given the others in the range additional features, with a strong emphasis on several aspects of safety. Though the range doesn’t get a facelift as such, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson Active features 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-appointed steering wheel and gear knob, and a onetouch auto up/down function for the driver’s window. All of which are additional features compared with the just superseded 2019 Tucson Go models. All Tucsons have a camera-based Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) City/Urban system with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) for automatic versions of the range-opening Active variant, and for Tucson Active X variants, as part of the Hyundai SmartSense advanced safety suite. The Tucson Elite and Highlander feature a camera and radar-based City/Urban/ Interurban FCA system with Pedestrian Detection function. At speeds above 60 km/h and below 180 km/h, Driver Attention Warning (DAW) uses the windshield-mounted camera to continually monitor the vehicle’s position within the lane, while also tracking steering inputs, brake pedal inputs, as well as time since last break. Should the system detect careless driving (such as sudden steering/braking inputs and/ or inability to keep within lane), the ‘Attention Level’ display on the cluster will continually decrease. Should the level decrease to a cer-
Ŷ PROTECTION PLUS: Hyundai Tucson has been given a safety upgrade.
tain threshold, the DAW system will recommend that the driver take a break. We look forward to road testing a couple of examples of the revised 2020 Hyundai Tucson and will report on the findings shortly afterwards.
New Nissan Leaf drops hints of the future Ŷ From page 1 Electric power steering has a more linear feel and is more responsive to sharp changes in direction. Noise, vibration and harshness have been moderated with aerodynamic upgrades and structural rigidity, while the electric motor has been made quieter. On the outside, new Leaf maintains the look of a conventional hatchback, EV badging being the only giveaway. Nissan’s aim was clean and simple lines and a sleek silhouette wrapping around hi-tech workings. Branding is taken care of by the company’s signature V-motion radiator grille, ‘boomerang light set-up and floating roof in keeping with similar models such as the popular X-Trail compact SUV. Dusk sensing LEDs with dual, direct-lens low and high beams, enhancing illumination ahead, are a first for Nissan. Aerodynamic body features and wheels gives the Leaf a drag co-efficient of 0.28. Nissan engineers also went to work on the battery charging point at the front of the vehicle, altering the angle of the socket allowing owners of all heights to connect the cable without bending down. Inside the cabin the word was premium ambience with room to relax. The combination of analog speedo and multi-information display uses a 7-inch advanced Drive Assist display on the left incorporating a power meter as the standard setting, which can easily be changed by the driver. The centre display screen allows the driver to operate audio and navigation systems and connect to smartphones with ease. An 8-inch colour touchscreen allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be operated. A sporty flat-bottom, leather wrapped heated steering wheel incorporates multifunctions, including Advanced Drive-Assist, which can be used by the driver without taking hands off the wheel. The centre console with cup holders between driver and front passenger seats includes a new storage area at its base ideal for phone or wallet, as well as easily reached power switch, 12V outlet and USB port.
The rear cargo area of 405 litres has been redesigned to offer better use of space, while the lithium-ion battery now has greater capacity, its dimensions have not changed from the previous model, leaving room for five occupants in comfort. The new Leaf has kept the five-star ANCAP rating of the previous model thanks to advanced safety systems such as predictive forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking, intelligent lane intervention, around view monitor with moving object detection, intelligent cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent driver alertness, high beam assist, blind spot warning and hill start assist. Also on hand are vehicle dynamic control with traction control, front and rear parking sensors, front, front-side and side curtain airbags, plus emergency locking retractor front and rear seatbelts. Because EVs are quieter than most cars, the new Leaf also incorporates a unique system that tells pedestrians when the car is being driven at low speeds. Below 30 km/h and in reverse, the Leaf lets out a sound towards the pedestrian or cyclist up to five decibels lower than the conventional petrol or diesel engine. It stops when the car does. Built in Sunderland, north-east England, priced at $49,990, plus on-road costs, the new Leaf can be bought through any of 89 dedicated Nissan dealers around Australia. It is covered by a five-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty. Nick Thomas, the Nissan global director of electric vehicles, said as the cost of the traditional internal combustion engine goes up, that of the battery comes down, making EVs an attractive proposition. “There is a price crossover point coming,” he said. By 2025, he predicts, 10 per cent of new vehicles in Australia will be electric – that’s 120,000 on the road. Nissan Australia managing director, Stephen Lester, put the Leaf, with its three pillars of intelligent drive; intelligent power and intelligent integration, in the vanguard of ‘intelligent mobility’, which is the company’s electric vehicle future.
July 19 - 25 | 2019
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Subaru Forester 2008 - 2018
By EWAN KENNEDY
EVERY Subaru that is not a full-on sportscar (ie the BRZ) sold in Australia since the mid- 1990s has all wheel drive (AWD). So the Japanese company has lengthy engineering experience in this important aspect of on- and off-road drivability and safety. Subaru Forester was launched Downunder in 1997 as a smallish relatively mild looking station wagon, later it morphed further and further into a medium SUV in styling. Just in time for the rush of Australians to enjoy the practicality and ease of driving of SUV ownership. In this used car review we cover the Subaru Forester from February 2008 with the introduction of the third generation. It’s a practical vehicle with ground clearance which is sufficient to let adventurous families tackle moderately serious conditions in the bush and on the beach. The fourth Forester generation arrived in February 2013. This time styling leaning even more into the tough SUV shape. A mild facelift in February 2016 saw upgrades to the infotainment system as well as revised rear seats. The latter in answer to customer comments that older kids in the back seats needed better seat support. Good interior room is a big advantage of Forester’s squared-off styling. The front seats have plenty of legroom, width and headroom. The rear seat can take three people without too much of a hassle, though it’s better if they are children, rather than adults. There’s a large luggage area and in a very Japanese manner Subaru makes much of the fact that four golf bags can fit back there. There are numerous handy storage areas throughout the cabin. On road handling is pretty good for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is a relatively high riding SUV, not a sports sedan, so don’t hammer it too hard at bends. (But see our notes on the tS, our favourite model, later in this review.) Off-road it’s significantly better than so many in the so-called SUV class with good ground clearance and reasonable approach / departure angles. Keep in mind that it’s an SUV not a 4WD and it sits close to, perhaps at, the top of its field. Power for the standard Forester models comes from a 2.5-litre flat-four petrol engine in either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged variants. There’s a strong emphasis on torque as Subaru owners have always appreciated practical vehicles. There’s also a non-turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine sold only in the lower cost models, as well as a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Neither of these engines have proven particularly popular, but are worth a test drive to see what you think. An excellent enthusiasts’ vehicle is the Forester tS Special Edition introduced in 2016. Despite the use of a chequered flag on the tS badge, it’s aimed more at the grand touring (GT) market rather than track day use. Powered by a turbo-petrol 2.0-litre boxer with 177 kW, the Forester tS features more dynamic suspension and bigger brakes. Though the engine is a close relation to the WRX unit it’s in a lower state of tune to make it easy to drive in day-to-day running. Foresters with manual gearboxes sold in reasonable numbers, but CVT automatics are
more likely to hold their value better in the long run. Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonably priced though we have heard a few complaints about high prices on some less common parts. Insurance premiums are generally moderate for the standard Foresters, but check on prices on the high-performance models if you’re classed as a young or inexperienced driver as you may have to pay considerably more. Also ask about what excesses will be charged if you do make a claim. A good amateur mechanic should have no trouble doing most jobs. It’s always wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before beginning work. Please leave the safety-related items to experts. June 2018 saw the gen-five Subaru Forester reach our shores. It’s too new to cover in this used car review, suffice to say it’s sold only with a 2.5 petrol engine and CVT automatic transmission. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Older engines often have that typical flatfour ‘dak-dak’ beat when they get a lot of kilometres on them. If it seems too bad the engine may be approaching overhaul time. Newer ones are more refined, but it’s still wise to have them checked out. Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lag. On a turbocharged model, check the clutch isn’t slipping - this usually shows up on fast upchanges. Subaru makes the clutch a sacrificial component so that it fails first to protect other transmission parts. Check underneath in case the Forester has been seriously used in off-road conditions. The front and rear bumper corners and their mountings are likely to be the first areas to suffer. Scrutinise the door sills, the protection plates under mechanical components and the lower parts of the underbody for signs of damage. Look at the condition of the seats, carpets and boot in case the Forester has had lots of muddy or dusty off-road use. Lots of sand in the carpet may mean it’s spent time on the beach. If you suspect this, taste for salt in the areas under the car. Look over the complete body for signs of crash repairs. The easiest to spot are poorly matching paint colours and slight ripples in the panels. HOW MUCH? Expect to spend from $5000 to $9000 for a 2008 Subaru Forester XS; $8000 to $12,000 for a 2008 XT Premium or a 2010 XS Premium; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2013 2.0i; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2010 XT Premium; $12,000 to $18,000 for a 2011 XT Premium; $16,000 to $22,000 for a 2014 2.0D-S; $20,000 to $28,000 for a 2016 2.0XT; and $27,000 to $37,000 for a 2017 2.0XT Premium.
Ŷ 2016 Subaru Forester
Ŷ 2013 Subaru Forester
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