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N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A
JULY 20 - 26 | 2018
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SOMETHING SPECIAL: Delightful shape of the Mazda MX-5 RF gives it an all-new look compared with the MX-5 in pure convertible format.
MAZDA has introduced a limited edition to its MX-5 RF retractable fastback range. It is priced at $55,748 driveaway and is on sale now. Only 110 have been produced for Australia and these are moving out of the dealerships fast. The MX-5 RF Limited Edition is offered in Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Snow Flake, White Pearl Mica, Ceramic Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica. Our test car was a white one – pity because we really have fallen in love with the Soul Red that has taken Mazda sales by storm. STYLING This is no dressed up toy that’s all show and no go. It’s a serious machine with changes to the body, suspension and brakes. New
limited edition
By EWAN KENNEDY design 17-inch BBS alloy wheels in an attractive new design are part of the deal. Major features are based around the Mazda Kuroi Sports Pack with aerodynamic additions that see small winglets near the front of the wheelarch openings. These direct air away from the wheels and along the sides of the body to smooth out the rush of air and improve speed. A front strut bar links the front suspension towers to increase chassis stiffness. POWERTRAIN Mazda MX-5 RF has the 118 kW, 200 Nm 2.0-litre engine that’s used in the convertible MX-5. There are no current plans to bring
the near instantaneous throttle response that’s simply not there in even the best turbocharged units. There’s a fair bit of road noise on rough n’ ready Australian backroads, but we’ve hard worse in similar sporty cars. In any case, hearing the road under you is all part of the fun. Brembo’s opposed-piston, four-pot front brake calipers not only provide harder braking in heavy duty use, but also reduce unsparing weight by a significant two kilograms. The Brembos can increase fade resistance by as much as 26 per cent. A significant advantage if you want to take part in track days.
it here with the optional 1.5-litre unit used in the convertible. Naturally drive is to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Want a Mazda MX-5 with an automatic transmission because you can’t be bothered changing gears yourself? Tough luck – this Edition only comes with the lovely slickshifting six-speed manual. DRIVING Handling is sharp and feedback through the wheel and the seat of your pants is excellent. You can control it on the throttle to really balance it beautifully in bends and it simply cries out for an interesting series of tight twisting up-hill-and-down-dale roads. As a naturally aspirated unit the engine has
Continued page 2 21d13123-v4/2918
MX-5 RF
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Kylie Manfield 0428 215 677 Mark Prentice 0437 276 412 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531
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2
July 20 - 26 | 2018
INTERCONTINENTAL: The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign combines Japanese brute force with superb Italian craftsmanship.
Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign
THE Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign has made its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The firstever collaboration between Nissan and Italdesign, the GT-R50 prototype could become the blueprint for an extremely limited run of hand-built production vehicles. Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign commemorates the 50th anniversaries of both the Nissan GT-R, in 2019, and Italdesign, in 2018. Based on Nissan’s latest GT-R NISMO it combines Japanese brute force with Italian craftsmanship. Key design features include a pronounced power bulge on the bonnet, stretched LED headlights, a lowered roofline, and prominent “samurai blade” cooling outlets behind the front wheels. A large, adjustable rear wing,
By EWAN KENNEDY mounted with two uprights dominates the rear. The body is finished in a Liquid Kinetic Gray colour, with distinctive Energetic Sigma Gold anniversary accents. The seats are trimmed in Alcantara and fine black Italian leather. Two different carbon fibre finishes are used on the centre console, instrument panel and door linings. Gold accents echo the exterior treatment throughout the cockpit. Power comes from a hand-assembled 3.8-litre V6 VR38DETT engine to produce an estimated 720 horsepower and 780 Nm of torque. For serious inquiries about obtaining a Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign visit www.gt-r50.nissan/.
MX-5 RF
From page 1
The roof can be powered open and closed at speeds of up to 10 km/h. It consists of front, middle and rear roof sections and rear window glass. When the roof is opened, the front and middle roof sections are stowed together with the back window glass in the space behind the seats. No boot space is lost so the volume remains at 130 litres, which is enough to hold two carryon aircraft bags. SUMMING UP The Mazda MX-5 RF is a delightful little sports coupe with an opening roof that turns it almost into a convertible. This special edition is a fair dinkum one with
limited edition real changes to its suspension and brakes that will please those who want to get serious in their driving - particularly on their early Sunday morning runs.
3
July 20 - 26 | 2018
Kia Sportage Makeover
more than skin deep
„ REAL CHANGE: A mid-life makeover sees the Kia Sportage take on a new upmarket character.
IT is customary for car companies to give a model a midlife makeover, which can include anything from tinkering around the HGJHV RI GHVLJQ DGGLQJ VSHFL² FDWLRQV WR adjusting prices. Rarely does it include digging deep to improve performance parameters. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, one being among Kia’s latest upgrades to the fourth-generation Sportage released two years ago. The MY19 version of the compact sports utility vehicle has come under the ‘spell’ of the Wizards of Oz in ride and handling. $FNQRZOHGJHG ZRUOG OHDGHUV LQ WKH ² HOG these engineers are constantly called upon by the Koreans to show the way with its product on and off road. For Australia Sportage will be available in four trim levels - Si, Si Premium, SLi and GT-Line - with a choice of three engines, a 2.0-litre petrol (114 kW and 192 Nm) for Si, Si Premium and SLi, a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol (135 kW and 237 Nm) in GT-Line only and a 2.0-litre diesel (136 kW and 400 Nm) in all grades. Prices start at $29,990, plus on-road costs, for the 2.0-litre petrol Si and tops out at $47,690 (plus ORC) for the GT-Line diesel. Driveaway pricing is available at launch on the two Si Premium models. The diesel motor is now hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Safety has been boosted across the range with the take-up of autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Kia Sportage retains many fourthgeneration features. The entry-level Si has electronic stability control, anti-locking
By DEREK OGDEN brakes, downhill brake control, hill-start assist, reverse parking sensors, rear view camera with dynamic guidelines, as well as the lane keeping assist, AEB with forward collision warning and high beam assist. Seatbelts with front belt pretensioners and load limiters, six airbags and impact sensing auto door unlocking complete the picture. Standard on the Kia Sportage Si are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, six-speaker audio and Bluetooth. The Si Premium adds satellite navigation, front parking sensors, LED running lights, 18-inch alloys with 225/55 R18 rubber, 8.0-inch touch screen infotainment centre, DAB digital radio, eight-speaker JBL premium sound system and 10-year 0DSFDUH DQG 681$ 7UDI² F PRQLWRULQJ Sportage SLi further adds a tyre pressure monitoring, smart key / push-button start, leather appointed seats, 10-way driver adjustable seat, LED rear combination lamps, and an electronic parking brake. The GT-Line caps the lot with blind spot GHWHFWLRQ UHDU FURVV WUDI² F DOHUW HLJKW ZD\ power front passenger seat, intelligent parking assist, LED foglights, GT-Line sports pack of bumpers, side sill and grille, SDQRUDPLF VXQURRI ³ DW ERWWRPHG VSRUWV wheel with gear-shift paddles, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, hands-free power tailgate, advanced smart cruise control, 19-inch alloys with 245/45 R19 rubber and LED headlights with auto levelling. Designers aimed to give Sportage a
more solid, premium look, with the most noticeable change up front being the light clusters with the HID headlamps on the GT-Line making way for a full LED cluster, and fog lamp aperture on the Si. The Si Premium has been given sharper lines for a sportier, more aggressive look, while a more angular surround enhances the sporty design of the signature Tiger Nose grille and complements the updated front bumper. The fourth-generation Sportage, introduced in 2016, saw a strong emphasis on greater space and comfort for all occupants through increased exterior and interior dimensions. $OO RFFXSDQWV EHQH² WHG IURP LQFUHDVHG leg room, while rear passengers gained a more natural seating position with improved under-thigh support. Now comfort has been improved even more. Cargo space stays at 466 litres (798 litres with the rear seat backs folded). The loading lip height is just 742 mm. Sportage retains its claim to being one of the quietist in class, thanks to extensive dashboard insulation and new rear suspension bushing, introduced with the fourth-generation model, a key to the control of road noise, along with sound-absorbent materials throughout Sportage’s wheel arches. As for infotainment, the Si features a 7-inch colour LCD system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility through a six-speaker sound system. Si Premium, SLi and GT-Line have premium eight-speaker JBL sound as well as integrated satellite navigation. The Sportage also features two USB
charging points, one in the front and another in the rear. Kia’s impressive seven years / unlimited kilometre warranty, seven-year capped price servicing and similar period roadside assist makes for a peaceful automotive life. DRIVING The latest Sportage – tweely landed with WKH VXI² [ 3( IRU ÂŤSURGXFW HQKDQFHPHQWÂŹ –, has travelled that road and is an improvement on its predecessor. Coming in two-wheel and four-wheel-drive versions, both enjoy suspension and VWHHULQJ XSJUDGHV RI QHDU Âł DZOHVV WXQLQJ As far as ride and handling of the Sportage are concerned, I defer to a colleague with who I shared a couple of MY19 all-wheel drive variants – petrol and diesel – on an extensive launch drive in and around Canberra on a cold winter’s day. 0\ FR GULYHU KDG KDG WKH EHQH² W RI restoring a vintage Rolls-Royce, so knew quite a bit on the dark arts of the ride and handling business. About the Kia SUV he was most effusive with praise. I had to agree. “Caution: Rough Roadâ€?, said the warning VLJQ 3UROL² F SRWKROHV KHOG QR SDUWLFXODU threat to unsettling the comfort of occupants of either Sportage. As for steering, fast bends came and went without the need for jittery midcourse corrections, while on one section of highway, a late exit was executed with the precision it warranted, if not deserved. The new eight-speed diesel recorded fuel consumption of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres over a mix of city and country driving on the test run.
4
July 20 - 26 | 2018
„ CONNECTED: Minis continue to be a real delight to dress up and drive.
MINI’s midlife makeover (or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak) has taken an interesting route in that styling changes are minimal, but technology and infotainment have received major upgrades. Following on from big-brother BMW models, the updated MINI Hatch and Convertible ranges see the introduction of MINI Connected. This is based on the 4G network and has a touchscreen interface. ,QFOXGHG DUH 5HDO 7LPH 7UDI² F Information as well as Remote Services, Connected Services, Tele Services and even a Concierge function. The MINI Connected App provides sendto-car that lets you share your calendar and contact data to the car, creating navigation and suggesting departure times EDVHG RQ WUDI² F LQIRUPDWLRQ The Remote Services system allows display of the vehicle’s location and fuel OHYHO ZKLOH HQDEOLQJ WKH XVHU WR ³ DVK WKH lights, lock/unlock the vehicle and even pre-condition the vehicle’s cabin, all from a connected smart device. MINI Connected Services provides
weather information, key points of interest, news items, petrol station locations and send-to-car functionality. The TeleServices system enables your MINI to communicate with the chosen MINI dealership to share service requirements, triggering a message to the driver when servicing is required. STYLING There’s a fascinating 3D design of the MINI logo, used not only on the exterior of the car, but also on the steering wheel, the key fob and the projection lighting. New design LED lights are standard on the Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) and are optional on the Cooper. The LEDs are integrated into the main KHDGOLJKW ² WWLQJ DQG LQFUHDVH ERWK low- and high-beam range. An optional adaptive LED system uses a matrix high beam function that adapts to the road ahead. Highly distinctive Union Jack styled taillights on Cooper S and JCW are likely to become talking points with the occupants of following vehicles. Very much a car that demands
CLASSIFIEDS MOTOR VEHICLES
2008 FG Ford ute, immaculate condition, dedicated gas, 139,100km, RWC, reg May 2019 (WXB475), $10,500. Phone Max 0419 547 308.
MOTOR VEHICLES
2012 Nissan Dualis, top of the range, Satnav, sunroof, 360 degree camera, reg November ( Z H O 7 4 7 ) , RW C , 63,911km, $16,950. Phone Max 0419 547 308.
major tech upgrade
MOTOR VEHICLES
2013 MY14 Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed for sale, 129,000km, diesel, auto, very good condition, full service history, $32,000, RWC, (1EE5TK). Ph 0447 723 694.
SOLD
MOTOR VEHICLES
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MOTOR VEHICLES
STORAGE
2010 Suzuki Swift GLX, 5 speed manual, green, 96,000km, rego to September 2018 (740RKZ), full service VK, Calais or HDT history, $7000. Ph 0427 Commodore parts, seats, 000 833. wheels or full vehicles wanted. Phone Kevin 0412 247 690.
Ph 5723
0101
*Cond apply.
22 Newman Street, WANGARATTA |
DRIVING MINI arranged a scenic trip out of Brisbane that began in a realistic way by VWDUWLQJ RII WKURXJK SHDN KRXU WUDI² F RXW of the city. It then moved into the hilly DUHDV RI WKH KLQWHUODQG HYHQWXDOO\ ² QLVKLQJ by a roundabout route at the Sirromet Winery. Rather than the anticipated winter sunshine that can be such a pleasure to our southern cousins nature gave us light rain for most of the day. While this could have been boring, driving up hill and down dale through misty mountainous conditions made the cute little Brit cars feel right at home. Go-cart handling has been a feature of Mini for almost 60 years now and, other than personalisation, has been its number one attraction. The roads were slippery but the four MINIs we tested, including a convertible with, sadly, its top closed all felt just so right. Steering by a combination of the throttle and steering wheel was intuitive, engine lag was minimal and the brakes hauled of speed with ease. A great day was had by all.
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
2006 Subaru Outback, 5 speed manual, new tyres, 292,000km, RWC, roof racks, tow, 12 months reg, (UFR331) $4000. Ph 0407 313 622.
We’ll make your boat, your car, your caravan, your bike - all go faster Two weeks from
personalisation, the 2019 MINI can EH VSHFL² HG LQ D QHZ UDQJH RI FRORXU and trim options. Five exterior colour options: Solaris Orange, Emerald Grey, Starlight Blue, Melting Silver and Chili Red. Contrasting roof colours and striping options almost create the possibility of building a car that’s unique in the true sense of that word. POWERTRAINS While the MINI’s engines don’t produce any more power or torque careful internal revisions have taken out a little weight to improve their ability to pick up revs and IXUWKHU EHQH² W GULYHDELOLW\ MINI Cooper comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. However, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a new option. The Cooper S has a sportstuned version of this auto, now with paddle shifters for additional control. The JCW’s dual-clutch includes launch control to minimise standing-start times. Top-of-the-range JCW buyers can choose an eight-speed sports conventional automatic, again with paddle shifters and launch control.
V I C T O R I A N CARAVAN STORAGE. S e c u r e u n d e r c ove r storage for caravans, boats, cars and more. From $15.50. Oxley. Ph 0428 847 657. www.victoriancaravan storage.com.au
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