DECEMBER 20 - 26 | 2019
2020 Nissan Pathfinder review
Ŷ GENTRIFIED: Pathfinder is a big seven-seat SUV aimed very much at the urban family. By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
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WITH more than three decades on the Australian market Nissan Pathfinder is a tried and proven performer both on and off the road. The current (fourth generation) model has been here since 2013 and so is due for a new model although recent upgrades have added to its safety credentials, and a hybrid option have kept it up to date with the ever-changing technology enhancements. Sensibly, given that few SUVs are likely to venture off the beaten bitumen, the latest Pathfinder has a softer style with smoother edges and sleeker profile. Pathfinder comes in four variants: ST, ST+, ST-L and Ti. In line with its bid to attract both urban and rural buyers all come with the choice of two- or four-wheel drive with the exception of
the ST hybrid which is 2WD only. Prices range from$43,390 to $69,890. STYLING The square, angular look of previous generation Pathfinders has been replaced with a smoother, more fashionable contemporary look including a flowing roofline while still retaining a bold appearance. At the front is the latest Nissan design signature ‘V-Motion’ grille and headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. The outside rear-view mirrors now include standard integrated turn signals. The vehicle signs off in the rear with changes which include new taillights and a more robust bumper design. Alloy wheels are 18-inch in the ST, ST+ and ST-L. The Ti steps up to 20-inch units.
INTERIOR All Pathfinder models are seven-seaters with its length of just over five metres and width of nearly two metres providing enough interior space for all occupants to travel in comfort although, as is the norm, the pair of third row seats are best suited to children. Having said that, Pathfinder does get the Nissan EZ flex seating system with the versatile 60/40 split second row seats offering recline, headrest adjust and slide that can provide additional leg room to third row seating occupants. It also allows tilt and slide of the right-side of the second row with an IsoFix compatible child seat in place so there’s still access to the third row. The third row 50/50 split seats also includes recline adjustment and now comes with a rear tether point for child restraint.
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With all seats in place there is a decent 453 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1354 litres with the third row folded and 2260 litres with second and third rows down. Interior storage is excellent with ten cup holders, six bottle holders, four 12-volt power outlets and a useful under-floor storage compartment behind the third row of seats for extra security. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS Pathfinder comes with the choice of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine or a supercharged 2.5-litre petrol / electric hybrid and either two- or fourwheel drive. The previous diesel alternative was dropped for the gen-four model.
Ŷ Continued page 3
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ONE MILE MOTORS 10-14 TEMPLETON ST, WANGARATTA 03 5721 5677 LMCT1060 Private Buyers only. Offers not available in conjunction with other offers. *Recommended Promotional Driveaway Price for 2019 Mazda BT-50 4x4 Dual Cab Utility XTR manual only. ^3 years free scheduled servicing applies to up to three standard scheduled services (as specified in the Service Warranty Booklet) for the first three years or 45,000km, whichever comes first. Free scheduled maintenance services must be redeemed within specified service windows and is of limited scope. Offer available to vehicles sold and delivered by 30/11/2019.
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December 20 - 26 | 2019
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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets more grunt By EWAN KENNEDY MITSUBISHI Australia has given its PHEV (plug in hybrid vehicle) a larger petrol engine, revised its suspension and improved infotainment features. A 2.4-litre petrol engine with 94kW of power at 4500rpm and 199Nm at 4500rpm, has replaced the 2.0-litre (was 2.0L 87kW/186Nm). Maximum power output from the two electric motors, front motor 60kW, rear motor 70kW, remains unchanged. Maximum torque front 137 Nm, rear 195 Nm. Increased maximum generator output 80 kW. Increased drive battery capacity 13.8kWh from 12 kWh. Potential electric driving range up to 54km (approx. 7 hours charge time (type 1), 3 hours (type 2) or 25 mins on DC fast charger) Inside there is a new 8-inch Smartphone Display Audio system (SDA). New 2x USB charge ports in rear of centre console. There is now power lumbar support on the driver’s seat. Both front seats have heater. New fabric trims on seat and door for ES model. Senior manager of product strategy at Mitsubishi Owen Thomson said, “Since its introduction, the Outlander PHEV has retained its DNA as the first PHEV to market, but it has
Ŷ POWERED UP: Outlander has timeless lines that tie in neatly with the future of electric power.
improved a number of safety and technical features, as well as a number of efficiency and performance measures, all in response to customer feedback. It doesn’t hold owners back, or ask them to buy a second family car; it enhances the overall driving experience and improves their fuel expenditure, without them having to worry about driving range.”
2020 Nissan Pathfinder review
Ŷ From page 1 The conventional petrol engine is a 3.5-litre V6 engine with peak power 202 kW of power at 6400 rpm and torque of 340 Nm at a very high 4800 rpm. The petrol / electric hybrid variants get a supercharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit supported by a 15kW electric motor. Our test ST+ was fitted with the V6 petrol engine, Its Direct Injection Gasoline system provides better wide-open throttle performance for improved fuel economy and lower emissions. All 2019 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission with ‘D-Step logic control’ which simulates shifts in a stepped gearbox to suit drivers who won’t adapt to efficiency of CVT units. SAFETY All Pathfinder models come with six airbags; stability and traction control; forward collision warning; autonomous emergency braking; blind spot monitoring; rear cross traffic alert; intelligent cruise control; speedsensitive door locking; tyre-pressure monitoring; and IsoFix child restraint anchorage in the outer centre row seats. Pathfinder ST+ adds Nissan's Intelligent Around-View Monitor with Moving Object Detection while ST-L also gets adaptive LED
headlights with auto-levelling. The range topping Pathfinder Ti has a new feature called Rear Door Alert which reminds you to check if you’ve left someone behind which is engaged when the rear doors are opened and closed before a trip. Once the Pathfinder is turned off a warning message appears on the Advanced Drive-Assist Display to prompt the driver to check the rear seat. If the driver walks away from the Pathfinder without opening a rear door the horn will sound three times and the ADAD screen will display a warning to check the back seat. INFOTAINMENT Information display is through an embedded 8.0-inch colour touchscreen that’s sharp and easy to read with logical controls. There’s Bluetooth phone and audio streaming with voice recognition that’s easy to pair. There are twin USB ports on the lower grades, three on the topline Pathfinder Ti. The entry-level ST Pathfinder doesn’t come with satellite navigation although it is standard on all higher-specced variants where it also includes 3D mapping graphics. In case you still get lost these models also come with a compass. ST-L and Ti variants get a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system while the Ti looks after rear seat passengers with a Tri-zone entertainment system with wireless headphones, remote control and HDMI and USB
ports for video playback. DRIVING With its five-by-two metre footprint Pathfinder can be a bit of a handful around town with parking needing a fair bit of patience and care to ensure that passengers have enough space to open the wide doors. There can also be a bit of a climb for more petite occupants to get themselves in although there is a running board to help and, if they’re behind the wheel, the high driving position is a big plus. Unfortunately our test ST+ came with one of our least favourite features – a foot-activated parking brake. There is plenty of power and torque and the big Nissan moves smoothly from standstill thanks to the use of the CVT automatic. On the open road the added grunt together with firmer but not uncomfortable suspension and interior space make for a most pleasant cruiser. Like most modern SUVs Pathfinder is almost car-like in its refinement and general feel. Handling is reasonable although with its relatively high centre of gravity you certainly shouldn’t try chucking it around corners. Braking was firm and competent. Fuel consumption from the V6 Pathfinder is listed at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in 2WD models and 10.1 with 4WD. We got much closer than we normally do to that latter num-
ber averaging 10.8 L/100 km during our week in the ST+ 4WD. SUMMING UP Although off-road purists will tut-tut at the gentrification of one of its longtime favourites the high proportion of SUV owners living in urban areas, especially those with two-wheel drive preferences, left Nissan with little choice but to join the growing number of competitors. Having said that the availability of 4WD in most Pathfinder models does offer a reasonable compromise for those looking to get onto the gravel from time to time. Nissan has joined the swing to longer warranties and moved from three to five years with unlimited distance.
AT A GLANCE MODEL: ST+ 4WD five door wagon ENGINE: 3.5L V6 petrol MAX POWER: 202 kW @ 6400 rpm MAX TORQUE: 340 Nm @ 4400 rpm DRIVELINE: Xtronic continually variable transmission FUEL TANK: 73 litres ECONOMY: 10.1 L/100km (combined)
December 20 - 26 | 2019
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Mercedes E-Class 2009 - 2018
Ŷ 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan By EWAN KENNEDY AFTER many generations of styling its midsize E-Class cars to suit somewhat elderly conservative buyers, Mercedes took an all-new tack with the W212 Series. Mercedes realised that young(ish), wealthy people wanted the prestige of upmarket German cars - but also wanted stylish machines This Merc is an attractive car and gathered lots of sales virtually immediately - though some of the elderly fuddy-duddies turned up their aristocratic noses. There are plenty on the used car market these days, but some are getting on in years so be sure to have a professional check them out - and get a quote for all repairs. The W212 was facelifted in August 2013, receiving a large three-dimension grille centred around the iconic three-pointed star. Inside it retained the same overall design, but upgrading of materials increase the feeling of luxury. Mercedes-Benz W213 E-Class arrived here in August 2016. It's longer than the W212, with increased wheelbase and track. It’s marginally lower and narrower. There’s increased legroom in the rear seat, but there may still be times when the person sitting behind the driver will have to do a deal on who gets what leg space. The dash was a totally new design with a glass screen running two thirds of the way across and displaying multiple modes. There are two separate areas, one directly in front of the driver containing the major instruments which can be set up in different ways. The
CLASSIFIEDS MOTORCYCLES
2008Yamaha motorcycle FZIN, (HI341), until Oct 10, 2020, one owner, 8300km, excellent condition, recent full service, new Pirelli tyres, Agropovic pipe and tidy tail, with original spares, $7950 with RWC. Ph 0427 250 035.
HONDAST1300A2011 model, ABS, one owner, excellent condition, genuine Honda panniers and top-box/pillion rest, regularly serviced by professional service centre, always garaged, new tyres, 17,970km, no modifications, registered April 2020 (1B4JD), complete o w n e r ’s m a n u a l provided, $11,500. Ph 0403 033 390.
MARINE
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Ŷ 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet other contains the satellite navigation maps and Mercedes Comand displays. Body choices in the E-Class are many and varied: four-door sedan, five-door wagon, two-door cabriolet/convertible and two-door coupe. Sedans are still in the majority but coupes and cabriolets are becoming increasingly popular. The aforementioned dates refer to the sedans, the other body shape typically arrived four to 12 months later. Avantgarde Mercedes models lean in the direction of sportiness, while Elegance refers to just that, ‘elegance’, in the direction of traditional Mercs. All of these Benzes have a reassuringly solid feel due to their strongly engineered bodies, making for low levels of noise, vibration and harshness. These Mercs are better than average in their class on rough Australian bush roads and have long been popular with farmers. They make excellent motorway cruisers as they are designed for high-speed German autobahns. Engine choices are numerous: four, six or eight cylinders fuelled by petrol or diesel. Turbo-petrol engines have become increasingly the norm in European cars over the past few years and Mercedes is one of the leaders in this field. Automatic transmissions ranged from fiveto nine- speed units in the period being discussed here. The more ratios the better in some ways, but honestly even the old autos are probably all you need. Many E-Class cars will always have been serviced by authorised Mercedes dealers
SOLD
AVAN Erin Mk 2 2005, 17ft pop top, rear island double bed, front kitchen, microwave, fridge, gas cooker/griller, full awning, battery pack, extras, vg condition, reg January 30, 2020, $16,000, Oxley. Ph 0427 273 389.
and this adds to their resale value. Check the logbook and if the car has been continuously serviced this way then it may be worthwhile to spend the extra dollars to keep it a ‘pure’ Mercedes-Benz. Many non-authorised Mercedes repairers are operated by qualified Mercedes mechanics who have set up their own business. They may not have the same access to the latest updates on the cars from Mercedes’ head office. Insurance is generally moderately priced because the E-Class, despite going more stylish in recent times, still tend to appeal to relatively conservative buyers. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Do your own initial checks to find any obvious mistakes but call for a professional inspection afterwards. Look over the interior for signs of rough usage; kids can sometimes do terrible things to cars and show no respect for upmarket ones. Check for indications of previous crash repairs. If these appear to have been extensive, have a full inspection done by a panel shop that specialises in upmarket cars, or by your motoring association. Before starting your test drive turn on the ignition and check all the warning lights. If any remain on that should be off when the engine is running there may be cause for serious concern - it's time for the aforementioned professional to do their thing. Arrange to start the engine when it’s stone cold, ideally after an overnight stop. It should kick over almost instantly and immediately
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MOTOR VEHICLES
17FT Paramount P o p To p , a l w a y s undercover, new tyres, wheel bearings, seals and brakes, new struts, excellent condition, 2 single beds, $16,000 ono. Ph 5798 1412.
2005 BMW X5, (1QN7CP), until Dec 6, 2020, low kilometres, only 152,000km, excellent condition, full service history, tow bar, new electric brakes and new tyres, recently serviced, $8500 with RWC. Ph 0427 250 035.
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
Ŷ 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan
ARROW caravan, 18ft, end bedroom, fridge, stove, sound, good condition, can deliver 50km radius (Beechworth), $4000. Ph (03) 5728 2667.
HOLDEN Rodeo, tray with tipper, 2006, 5speed manual, aircon, p/steer, RWC, June 2020 rego (1QZ2DJ), mechanically sound, just serviced, $6500 ono. Ph L A R G E 2 b e r t h 0418 579 368. caravan, older type, good condition, best WANTED to buy - 2000 offer, Myrtleford area. Magna/Verada. Ph 0418 574 233. Ph 0403 425 593.
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settle into a smooth idle. Diesels will be slightly slower than petrols to fire up but only by a couple of seconds. Some older-design diesels are rather noisy when listened to from outside, but moderately quiet inside. If not, it might be an idea to look for another car. Check the automatic transmission engages gear promptly from Neutral or Park and that its shifts are virtually imperceptible. Some harshness is permissible in full-throttle changes but not at other times. CAR BUYING TIP Buying into the champagne end of the car market on a beer budget? Hmm … prestige cars are nice but make sure you have access to money just in case.
EXPECT TO PAY $12,000 TO $17,000: 2009 E220 Elegance $23,000 TO $31,000: 2013 E250 Avantgarde $30,000 TO $41,000: 2013 E400 $37,000 TO $42,000: 2015 E250 Cabriolet $45,000 TO $59,000: 2015 E400 Coupe $59,000 TO $80,000: 2016 E400 wagon $72,000 TO $96,000: 2018 E 350e Hybrid $91,000 TO $106,000: 2018 E450 Cabriolet
MOTORING TRADES & SERVICES
MOTOR VEHICLES
CHRYSLER 300C 3ltr turbo diesel 2007 CRD LE sedan, 5spd auto, reg till April 2020 (1FO1YJ), 258,726km, satnav, $12,500 ono. Ph 0408 178 976.
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2007 Volkswagen Passat, 2.0TDI, diesel, auto, May 2020 (WKB105), 2014 Hyundai IX35 73,500km, one owner, H i g h l a n d e r, AW D , excellent condition, p a n o r a m i c r o o f , $8600. Ph 0408 030 675. excellent condition, 130,000km, 4 mths VIC reg, (1MB2OU), $19,000 ono. Ph 0407 385 421.
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