SEPTEMBER 20 - 26 | 2019
Ŷ NEAT: Mazda6 has a neat combination of luxury and sportiness
2019 Mazda6 wagon is stylish and practical CONVENTIONAL station wagons are becoming something of a rarity nowadays with buyer preferences firmly locked into SUVs of various shapes and sizes. Almost all the wagons that remain have adopted the coupe-like Euro styling that distinguishes them from the typical SUV not only with a more stylish design but also by making them more enjoyable to drive and, with their lower centre of gravity, safer with than the typically boxy SUV. Mazda is hedging its bets by selling some of the most popular SUVs while still persevering with a wagon version of its mid-sized Mazda6. The ‘6 has been a consistent seller since it debuted here in 2002. It was given a facelift
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY and engine upgrade in 2018 that were topped up earlier this year with improved driving dynamics and infotainment updates. Mazda6 comes in four specification levels, Sport, Touring, GT and Aetna all with the choice of sedan or wagon bodies. There are two engine options both petrolpowered with 2.5-litre capacity, one naturally-aspirated in the Sport and Touring models, the other turbocharged in the GT and Atenza. STYLING Mazda6 in either sedan or wagon format is a great looking vehicle from all angles. The large honeycomb grille with glossy highlights dominates the front, fringed by
sleek LED headlights with embedded foglights and LED daytime running lights on models above Sport. Like most Euro wagons the rear of the ‘6 load-carrier is very similar to that of a hatchback. There’s little to distinguish the model variants except that Sport and Touring have 17inch wheels with GT and Atenza up to 19-inch. INTERIOR The inside of the Mazda6 just oozes class with a real premium feel all around. We love the clean linear design of the dashboard with soft touch high quality materials. Sport has cloth seat trim, Touring and above get leather. GT and Atenza have heated seats with Atenza’s also ventilated.
O N E DAY. O N C E A Y E A R .
For what is a reasonably long vehicle (nearly 4.9 metres) rear interior space isn’t great for taller passengers in all three dimensions. The centre seat is narrow, effectively only wide enough for small children. There are plenty of good-sized storage areas in the doors, front and centre space. Cargo volume is 506 litres with the rear seats in place expandable to 1648 litres with the rear seats folded and loaded up to the roof. The opening is wide for easy loading and there’s also a cargo area tonneau cover with automated up and down function.
Ŷ Continued page 3
H A N G OV E R SA L E Y O U R D A Y T O S AV E A T
*Terms & Conditions apply
Alicia Pizzolitto 0457 496 822
Mark Prentice 0437 276 412
10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta
Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
www.onemilemotors.com.au
LMCT1060
Michael Henderson 0418 512 531
(03) 5721 5677
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$6,300
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September 20 - 26 | 2019
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2019 Mazda6 wagon is stylish and practical Ŷ From page 1 SAFETY In addition to the standard safety features across the industry all Mazda6 variants get a comprehensive list of equipment including radar cruise control; Blind Spot Monitoring; Driver Attention Alert; Forward Obstruction Warning; Intelligent Speed Assistance; Lane Departure Warning; Lane Keep Assist; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Rear Parking Sensors; Reversing Camera; Smart City Brake Support; G-Vectoring Plus; Traffic Sign Recognition; Head-Up Display; two Isofix child restraint anchor points; and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. The Atenza adds a 360-degree overhead camera. INFOTAINMENT The 8-inch colour display monitor is crisp and clear. Cleverly, it’s a touchscreen when the car is stationary but can only be controlled by a circular knob on the central console when it’s moving. Mazda6 has now caught up with the field and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. There’s also internet radio integration with Stitcher and Aha, AM/FM radio with a second antenna now added to expand for improved quality FM reception, DAB+ Digital Radio and Bluetooth. The standard six-speaker audio system in the Sport is upgraded to Premium Bose 11-speaker system from Touring upwards. There’s good storage space at the bottom of the dashboard for a smartphone although the twin USB ports in the front are located in the centre storage bin. There are two more in the rear seat armrest. Satellite navigation is standard across the range. ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONS Sport and Touring grades are powered by a naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol engine with 140 kW of power and 252 Nm of torque at at 4000rpm. Cylinder deactivation which shuts down two of the four cylinders when travelling at steady speeds helps keep fuel consumption down to a factor-tested 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres The higher spec GT and Atenza models use a Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbocharged petrol engine with maximum power of 170 kW and torque of 420 Nm at a significantly lower 2000rpm.
We’ve previously driven behind this engine in the CX9. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted paddle shifters. The parking brake is electronic with auto hold. DRIVING While getting into the Mazda6 is reasonably easy the combination of its sleek profile and a sunroof meant that we had to lower the driver’s seat to its lowest possible setting, not our preferred driving position. While that’s expected in a sportscar it’s likely to be a drawback for taller occupants. Having said that the seats are wide, supportive and comfortable. Exterior vision is fine to the front and sides but restricted by the small rear window and rear seat headrests. We’ve driven both engines and while the naturally-aspirated unit is smooth and quiet it doesn’t reach peak power and torque until 6000 and 4000 rpm respectively and so falls behind the performance of its turbo sibling. Around the suburbs it’s smooth, quiet and comfortable and, with the cylinder deactivation in play more fuel efficient and seamless at the same time. On the motorway segment of our test it cruises easily albeit with a fair bit of pedal pressure needed when pushing up some the steeper climbs. The turbo is much better, although there is a hefty price premium involved. There is a little bit of torque steer but the GVectoring keeps that in check. The engine sound is quite distinctive but we love it. The biggest difference is in the midrange engine response with little turbo lag which makes for faster pickup and safer overtaking. In both models the ride is firm but comfortable and steering is precise with good feedback. Fuel consumption from our extended test in the turbo Atenza was around 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres compared with the published 7.6 L/100 km. SUMMING UP If you’re looking for a vehicle that can combine functionality with driving enjoyment the Mazda6 is certainly worth a place on your shopping list.
AT A GLANCE ENGINE: 2.5 litre four cylinder turbo petrol If the balance lies in the convenience side then the more affordable Sport or Touring models with their naturally-aspirated engines will be perfectly fine. However if you are a keen driver then we definitely steer you towards the turbocharged GT or Atenza. All Mazdas now come with five year, unlimited kilometre standard warranties.
MAX POWER: 170 kW @ 5000 rpm MAX TORQUE: 420 Nm @ 2000 rpm DRIVELINE: Six speed automatic FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 62 litres ECONOMY: 7.6 L/100km (combined)
New Ford Focus ST will certainly turn heads By EWAN KENNEDY
Ŷ HEAD-TURNER: New Ford Focus ST will certainly turn heads
THE new-generation Ford Focus ST will be fully-imported from Germany, and will be on sale in Australia in 2020 with an MLP of $44,690 for the sixspeed manual. A seven-speed paddleshift automatic is offered as a no-cost-option. The new all-aluminium 2.3-litre, turbocharged engine is the most potent ever offered in a Focus ST. It has 206 kW of power at 5,500 rpm – an increase of 22 kW over the outgoing Focus ST. Torque is 360 Nm (previously to 420 Nm). Focus ST has a honeycomb front grille, with unique front and rear bumpers and an integrated rear spoiler. Details include dual chrome exhaust tips, rear privacy glass as well as heated power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps. There’s ST badging in the front grille and rear hatch. It is offered in Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury, Frozen White, Magnetic (grey), Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. It rides on 19-inch machined alloy wheels, with 235/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Suspension lowers ride height by
10mm over the standard Focus model. The Focus ST’s larger front and rear brake have red brake calipers, 330mm front and 302mm rear ventilated discs. Heated Recaro sports seats are trimmed in leather and suede, with larger bolsters for improved lateral support during cornering, and feature ST logos, with lumbar support on the driver’s seat. Ford Performance instrumentation is standard, as are aluminium pedals that are matched to a chrome gear-lever for the six-speed manual, while the automatic Focus ST takes advantage of the new-generation e-shifter Infotainment is by Ford’s SYNC 3 and has a high-definition 8.0-inch touchscreen display, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capability. Functions, including Siri, can be accessed via the steering-wheel mounted voice activation controls, with capabilities including voice-activated text messaging. In addition, the Focus ST’s standard built-in sat-nav can also be accessed by voice-command, with the system able to comprehend Australian accents. Though it won’t be on sale in Australia till 2020 Ford dealers are happy to take orders now.
September 20 - 26 | 2019
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Ford Ranger Wildtrak X
AND now something very special for those By EWAN KENNEDY who love driving small pickup trucks. Most are likely to be powered by a The ďŹ rst-ever Ford Ranger Wildtrak X combines premium Ranger technology, upmarket 157kW/500Nm Bi-Turbo petrol powertrain features and comfort with enhanced equip- introduced on the Ford Performance Ranger Raptor and a new generation 10-speed automent levels. Ranger Wildtrak X features exclusive 18- matic. The automatic has a lock-out feature to inch black-ďŹ nish alloy wheels, black wheelarch ares, black front nudge bar with LED hold speciďŹ c gears when towing. Ranger Wildtrak X a towing capacity of 3500kg and light bar. It also has a snorkel to take full advantage 943kg payload. There's also a 3.2-litre ďŹ ve-cylinder comof Ranger’s best-in-class 800mm water wading, as well as to combat dusty roads that can mon-rail turbodiesel with six-speed automatic, this has a payload of 913kg and towing capacclog up the engine’s air ďŹ lter. Inside, premium features include leather- ity of 3000kg. The Ford Ranger line-up has been rated at appointed seating with Wildtrak orange stitching detailing, which is also used on the steer- ďŹ ve-stars by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). ing wheel, gear-lever and handbrake boot. A ďŹ ve-year/unlimited kilometre factory Driver Assist Technology for Wildtrak X includes AEB with Pedestrian Detection, Adap- warranty is part of Ranger Wildtrak X’s Ford tive Cruise Control and Active Park Assist, as Service BeneďŹ ts, which include Loan Car Prowell as SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay, Android gram, Service Price Promise and SYNC 3 satAuto smartphone compatibility and Tyre nav mapping updates for eligible customers at participating Ford dealerships. Pressure Monitoring System.
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