JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 6 | 2020
Ford takes active steps to cross over
Ŷ ALMOST AN SUV: Ford has joined the crossover crowd with the Focus Active. THE automotive industry has taken rather By DEREK OGDEN tentative steps when it comes to the so-called crossovers, prime examples being the Subaru inside for passengers and luggage. The three-pot 1.5-litre turbo-petrol powXV, Citroen C3 Aircross and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, carrying the banner for the compact er, putting out 134 kW and 240 Nm, is more than a match for the four-cylinder opposition hatchback/SUV cross breed. In some markets, Australian included, a in performance, with the benefit of cutting to crossover is defined as a hatchback with two-cylinder operation when low engine load raised ride height and SUV-like styling. Now allows. Besides new bodywork, on the technology Ford has ‘crossed over’ with the Active being front, the Active adds wireless phone chargadded to its Focus family. This means the expanded Focus range ing and dual-zone climate control, while adstarts at $25,990 for the Trend and tops out vanced safety features and other hi-tech elecat $34,990 for the Titanium. The new Active tronics are carried over from the former Focus. slots in at $29,990. So how much different from the entry-level STYLING With increased ground clearance and unTrend is it and is it worth the extra $4000 in price? For a start it’s based on the new bigger der armour from protective bits and pieces, Ford Focus C2 platform offering more room the hatchback assumes the role of a compact
SUV, hence the crossover tag. A body kit comprising new-look front and rear bumpers with lower ‘skid plate’ inserts and matt-black lower edge, which is shared with the side skirts and wheel-arches, and roof-rails, is augmented by 17-inch alloy wheels with higher-profile 215/55 R17 tyres setting the Active apart from plainer Focus family members. While the test vehicle wore the ever-popular white paintwork, there is prestige paint on offer, including unique Orange Glow for $650. There’s also an $1800 Design Package comprising 18-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights with cornering function and rear privacy glass. INTERIOR With Ford’s claim that the Active is built for adventure, standard seat trim includes em-
broidery and more rugged, versatile cloth to fit in with more textured cabin materials and surfaces. Additional detailing includes Nordic Blue seat stitching also used on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors. Dual-zone climate control is standard, while a narrower centre console, thanks to relocating switches and controls to the touchscreen, features soft knee pads for comfort. INFOTAINMENT Standard carryover technologies include keyless entry / start and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, DAB digital radio, two USB ports and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Ŷ Continued page 3
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Jan 31 - Feb 6 | 2020
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New top of the range Ford takes active steps to cross over Fiat 500 Ŷ From page 1
Ŷ TOP OF THE LINE: As cute as ever - the latest models of the very Italian Fiat 500.
By EWAN KENNEDY, Marque Motoring FIAT Australia introduced new top of the range model to its iconic 500 range - the Fiat 500 Club. In addition to the new Club, the line-up includes the entry-level model, Lounge. The new Club features 16-inch alloy wheels, fixed glass roof with sun blind, DAB+ radio, chrome front grille surround, chrome rear bumper insert, chrome sill plates, automatic headlamps and wipers, and automatic climate control. The Club offers two different interior options; black fabric seats with white inserts and Bordeaux stitching, or white fabric seats with black inserts and white stitching. Leather interior can be optioned.
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Fiat 500 Club is available in a new exterior paint colour option, Powder Pink. Both the Lounge and Club have a 1.2-litre engine. The Lounge hatchback is offered with a five-speed manual and self-shifting manual tagged as “Dualogic auto”. The cabriolet / convertible and the Club only use the Dualogic. The updated Fiat 500 is on sale now from $19,250 MSRP. MODEL RANGE Lounge: $19,250 Club: $23,250 Lounge Convertible: $25,250 Club Convertible: $27,250 Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Fiat dealer for driveaway prices.
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SAFETY The Active carries over the advanced standard safety of the Focus range, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning, post-collision braking, speed-sign recognition and speed-limiter. There are options, for example, a $1250 Driver Assistance Package including adaptive cruise control with stop / go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear AEB, plus lane centring and steering assist. DRIVING Despite having only three cylinders, the 1.5 litre engine performed with sparkle thanks to Ford’s EcoBoost technology. The only hiccup being the odd instance of the auto transmission being tardy in power take-up. Oh, and the Active had a tendency to roll between shifting from ‘park’ and ‘drive’. Disconcerting, to say the least. With cylinder deactivation when engine load allows, and automatic stop / start mode as standard, the Focus Active is claimed to come up with a combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The test car clocked up a surprisingly thirsty combination of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres running around town and 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road. If you like the clean-looking centre console with its rotary gear knob, a la Jaguar,
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SUMMING UP Rather than at the SUV end of the spectrum, if you consider the Ford Focus Active to be a high-riding compact hatchback in protective clothing, you won’t be disappointed.
AT A GLANCE MODEL: Ford Focus Active ENGINE: 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder turbo MAX POWER: 134kW MAX TORQUE: 240 Nm DRIVELINE: 8 speed automatic FUEL TANK: 52 litres, Petrol 95 RON ECONOMY: 6.4 L/100km (combined)
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ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The EcoBoost 1.5-litre is a turbocharged three-cylinder that develops high torque at low revs for greater drivability. Particular attention has been paid to fuel efficiency under light engine loads, with Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation in a three-pot powerplant. The motor is mated with an intelligent eight-speed torque-convertor automatic, with its quick and intuitive shifting. This identifies hard cornering and gradients, adjusting gearshifts to suit.
you will be happy with this one, if you prefer a gear lever, there’s nothing here to change your mind. Occupant comfort has pros and cons. Seating all round is flat and firm. Front seats have limited adjustment, however, there’s stacks of leg room in the back and head and shoulder space are good. The test car was fitted with an optional panorama sunroof, incorporating a lightcoloured cloth shade which kept out some of the sun’s glare but little of the heat. It’s a waste. Take my advice, pocket the $2000 rather than get fingers burnt. The cargo area of 365 litres and up to 1344 litres with the rear seats folded, was impressive. Forsaking the bitumen for something harder, the SUV-style taller stance and ‘protective clothing’ took care of the Active on gravel and over small obstacles without unsettling the compact crossover. In line with any owner’s lust for adventure, in addition to three standard driving characteristics – Normal, Eco and Sport - offered in Focus, Active introduces Slippery and Trail Modes. Slippery is designed to instil driver confidence on surfaces with reduced grip such as snow and ice, while Trail’s job is designed to help maintain momentum in soft going such as a sandy beach or powdery dirt road.
LOADER, MF 40E Shuttle Shift, 1800mm bucket plus 3 pt linkages. ROPS, $9500. Mansfield District. Phone 0418 660 799.
CROWNLINE 19SS, V8 MerCruiser, generous family boat, excellent condition, including all books, service records, safety gear, covers, skis, ski vests and large biscuit. Present owner no longer using boat, $32,500. Ph 0488 444 650.
JEEP Grand Cherokee, 2014, Laredo, 4x4, diesel, 8 speed auto, tow pack, 77,000km, RWC, excellent condition, reg (ABL689), $25,950. Ph 0407 952 433.
SUZUKI Vitari, 95, 4x4 manual, 5 door wagon, many extras, always serviced, RWC, registered(QFP601), BARGAIN! $5500 ono. Ph 0427 727 790. SCOOTER2015Honda PCX 150, 6000km, 9 months reg, (IQ8OY), great commuter, as new condition, $3500. Ph 0409 831 175.
MOTOR VEHICLES HOLDEN Commodore 2008 VE SV6, (1CD8JH), 115,560km registered May, RWC, recent service, excellent HOLDEN Commodore condition, good tyres/ 2007 VZAcclaim wagon, brakes, $11,900. Ph great condition, service 0435 172 396. history, 161,288km, tyres as new, 6 months rego (XJE211), $3800 ono. Ph 5798 3260.
TOYOTA Prado, 2013 GXL 3L TD, automatic. 12 months registration. Full service history, 170,000kms. Excellent condition. Bull bar, dual batteries, tow bar, storage drawers. RWC. ZNF 594. $35,000. Ph 0412 401 788.
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