10 minute read
0–100 review
0–100 review FORD RANGER RAPTOR BIRD OF PREY
Ford’s high-riding, hard-charging race-truck-for-the-road adopts V6 power to match bark with bite.
Story Harry Weller
EVERY NOW AND AGAIN, A CAR-COMPANY
product planner gets it so right that we sit back and wonder, ‘Why didn’t anyone think of that before?’ That was very much the case with the first-generation Ford Ranger Raptor, a modified dual-cab 4x4 ute released in 2018 that channelled the spirit of the USA’s famous Baja desert racing series with its high-riding, wide-track stance and awesome off-road capability, courtesy of its specialised suspension. Already madly in love with the dual-cab ute as our preferred tool of work and play, Aussies’ enthusiasm for the format went next level with the Raptor, its customised looks backed by seriously enhanced underpinnings. But if there was one area where the original Raptor underwhelmed, it was in the horsepower department, thanks to its 2.0-litre fourcylinder biturbo diesel. Any wonder then that when it came time to release the new version, based on the Australian designed and engineered T6 platform, engineers chose to plonk a more muscular 3.0-litre twin turbo petrol V6 beneath the bonnet. The upgrade, along with a raft of other changes, transforms the new Raptor into an off-road beast. The new engine is good for 292kW/583Nm and drives through a 10-speed automatic with the option to drive the rear wheels only, or all four corners via a selectable drive-mode dial. In total, drivers have the choice of seven drive modes for different conditions, encompassing Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock, Mud and Ruts, Sand and Baja, which is the most aggressive shift pattern. In addition, electronically controlled active exhaust valves deliver four unique exhaust profiles, from Quiet Mode through to the deep, guttural growl of Baja Mode. But while much of the focus on this Raptor will rightly be on its new powertrain, it’s the Fox 2.5-inch live-valve shock absorbers that are its real secret sauce. Using conventional coil overs up front, but external reservoirs at the rear, the adaptive dampers rely on sensors that monitor driver and vehicle inputs 500 times a second to adjust damping force in real time to suit the terrain, giving the Raptor incredible cross-country capability. For a big truck – weighing almost 2.5-tonnes – the Raptor feels remarkably light on its feet, with a faster steering ratio than its predecessor, while the long travel suspension – comprising lightweight aluminium upper and lower front control arms and revised Watt’s link coil-spring rear suspension – provides an incredible ability to absorb bumps at speed. Other off-road inspired additions include front and rear locking differentials, a 2.3mmthick high-strength steel front bash plate, 33inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres and unique mounts and reinforcements to ensure this Next-Gen Ranger Raptor can handle the most punishing off-road conditions. THE SPECS
RETAIL PRICE • $85,490 (MRLP) BODY STYLE • Dual-cab utility SEATING • 5 FUEL CONSUMPTION • (Combined): 11.5L/100km (262g/km CO2) ANCAP SAFETY RATING • Not Rated ENGINE • 3.0-litre V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost (292kW/583Nm) TRANSMISSION • 10-speed automatic DRIVE TYPE • Permanent fourwheel-drive system, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, front and rear locking differentials 0–100KM/H: 6.0 seconds (estimated) For more visit ford.com.au
ROAD
Taking a quick break to the Tasman Peninsula is a journey worth savouring in the VW Arteon, says Andrew Bain.
Words Andrew Bain Photos Stu Gibson
Photos: Name Here TEST
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE A quick getaway from Hobart in the VW Arteon sedan; McHenry’s elevated guest accommodation; the route is filled with native flora and fauna, a Dunalley pitstop; a detour to the Coal Mines Historic Site. T he sedan is dead, long live the sedan. In a motoring era saturated with SUVs, which now account for around 50 percent of car sales in Australia, there’s almost a nostalgia to finding myself cruising out of Hobart in a new sedan, especially one as sleek and slick as the Volkswagen Arteon.
Modelled on its sibling Passat, but sitting lower and more elegant, there’s one surprising thing about this Arteon that sets it up as a perfect touring vehicle: space. Despite the sporty appearance, the car’s boot is cavernous, with 563 litres of luggage space. It’s more than enough for almost any road trip, especially a quick break like the one I’m making to the Tasman Peninsula.
As Hobart’s early-morning commuter crush heads one way across the Tasman Bridge, I’m disappearing the other way. On the road, the first impression of the Arteon is that it’s conveyorbelt smooth as I weave through the traffic, the blind-spot warning lights on its side mirrors flickering like a heartbeat.
Like all Tasman Peninsula drives, the day truly feels like it begins in Dunalley and the familiar metallic whirr as I cross the bridge over the Denison Canal, Australia’s only purpose-built sea canal.
The haul to Port Arthur – the Tasman Peninsula’s star feature – was a quick trip to hell for 19th-century convicts, but today it’s a journey worth savouring. I shun the direct route, turning instead at Taranna onto the road less travelled: the B37 through Koonya and Premaydena to Nubeena.
Out here, you wouldn’t know you’re on the road to one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist sites, with traffic thinning to a trickle and the Arteon taking the ever-present road bends like a slalom racer. Green hills fall into blue seas and, at the first hint of a rain shower, the VW’s rainsensor windscreen wipers flicker into action. They’re just one feature among the Arteon’s suitable suite of modern wizardry, from Park
Assist – automatically steering the car into parking spaces – to a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, to a massage setting in the driver’s seat.
Time is no enemy this day, and I turn off the road to detour out to the Coal Mines Historic Site and Lime Bay. A short walking trail loops through the Coal Mines, Port Arthur’s companion convict site and Tasmania’s first mine, once housing the so-called worst of the worst convicts. The ruined cells, with their windows and chimneys still etched into tumbledown walls, now resemble a partly completed jigsaw puzzle.
The road turns to gravel beside the Coal Mines as I continue the couple of kilometres to the coast at Lime Bay, and the vehicle handles the change of surface easily, even if for an extra few grand you can upgrade to the Arteon R-Line, which adds all-wheel drive to the package.
On the corrugated road, the VW’s suspension continues to cushion the ride as I turn back past the Coal Mines, returning to the bitumen, where the pace picks back up. Rising over the Tasman Peninsula’s spine of hills, I’m treated to my first views of the Southern Ocean. Surfers often use this rise to take a measure on the waves, but this day the sea is rolled out flat and calm.
Soon I’m down by these waters, passing through Nubeena and heading out to White Beach and lunch at the ever-friendly Pickers Pantry. Set beside packing sheds with tables slotted between rows of pear trees, the cafe merges into an orchard. The clouds have parted and the farm dog snoozes in the sun beside my table. In the bay, gulls speckle the Brother and
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Lunch at White Beach’s Pickers Pantry; the VW Arteon contains modern touches like rainsensor windscreen wipers and Park Assist
THE SPECS
PRICING • 140TSI Elegance $69,900 drive away BODY STYLE • Sedan SEATING • 5 FUEL CONSUMPTION • 6.2L/100km SAFETY ANCAP RATING • 5 stars ENGINE TYPE • 2.0 litre turbo petrol TRANSMISSION • 7-speed DSG DRIVE TYPE • Front-wheel drive MAX. POWER • 140KW @ 42006000rpm MAX. TORQUE • 320Nm @ 15004100rpm 0-100KM/H • 7.9 seconds LUGGAGE AREA • 563L LUGGAGE AREA WITH REAR SEATS FOLDED • 1557L Sister Islands, and the sun pours down, turning White Beach all shades of colour.
From White Beach, it’s back over the hills to my day’s finish in Port Arthur. I settle briefly again into the Arteon’s Nappa leather seats, which are supremely comfortable (though not so comfortable that the car’s driver-fatiguedetection system will be put to the test).
It’s a final chance to open the throttle for the pull up the slopes of Mount Arthur to McHenry Distillery. In that contemporary Tasmanian way, distilleries have been about as frequent as towns on this drive – Dunalley Bay Distillery, Impression Bay Distillery and now McHenry in just 55km since leaving Dunalley – with McHenry providing a suitable full stop to the day.
From the cellar door, I grab a bottle of whiskey for an evening on the peninsula, and continue up the slopes on a steep gravel road – a final bit of grunt work for the Arteon, climbing high above the farm-like distillery to McHenry’s elevated guest accommodation, and vast views over the peninsula to distant kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Bruny Island and the Southern Ranges.
Whiskey, views, sedan. I see nothing here that’s out of fashion.
Book a test drive of the VW Arteon at JMC Hobart, 152-170 Campbell Street, at jmc.com.au/hobart
QUALITY TIME
Learner drivers need more on-road, supervised driving practice in a variety of traffic and weather conditions
Young Tasmanians are significantly overrepresented in deaths and serious injuries on our roads. In fact, road crashes are the second leading cause of death for young Tasmanians aged between 17 and 25, and the risk of being involved in a crash is highest during the first six months of solo driving on a P1 licence.
In December 2020, the Tasmanian Government introduced a package of changes to the driver graduated licensing system (GLS). This brought Tasmania into alignment with the ‘enhanced’ model GLS under the national GLS policy framework and will help to make young drivers as safe as possible on our roads.
Learners are now required to complete 80 hours of supervised driving (including 15 hours at night). A complete ban on interacting with mobile phones was introduced, as well as peer passenger restrictions for P1 drivers to reduce distraction. Novice drivers are automatically rewarded for safe driving with a free three-year full licence if they complete both provisional licensing stages without committing an offence.
Two years after implementation of the changes to the GLS, many Tasmanians are progressing through the new licensing pathway. A new cohort of learners are now on the road developing their safe driving skills.
That’s why the Road Safety Advisory Council is continuing its successful ‘Quality Time’ campaign. The campaign was launched to complement the changes to the GLS introduced in 2020, and to highlight the importance of getting as much supervised driving practice as possible in a variety of conditions.
We know that the more practice a young driver has, the safer they will be when they start driving by themselves. There is no substitute for on-road experience. That message is just as relevant today as it was in 2020.
The campaign features challenging, funny and relatable moments shared between learner and supervisory drivers during the learning to drive journey.
The Road Safety Advisory Council recommends that learners get between 80 and 120 hours of supervised driving experience. It’s also important for learners to practise driving in different road environments and a variety of traffic and weather conditions to prepare them for solo driving on Tasmanian roads. This includes driving on suburban roads, busy highways, and unsealed gravel roads. It also means driving at different speeds, at different times of the day, and in wet weather conditions.
The message is clear: more practice, in more conditions, more often.
Look out for the ad on TV and social media or visit www.rsac.tas.gov.au.
