LIFE ON THE MOVE

YOUR ONE-STOP AUTOMOTIVE SHOP

Tyres Alignments Suspension Brakes Servicing

Steering Batteries Repairs Inspections Fleet Vehicles

CORNER FREDERICK & MARGARET STREETS, LAUNCESTON 6331 6755 // gyearltn@bigpond.net.au

EASTERN SHORE RADIATOR REPAIRS AIR CONDITIONING • service • repairs • re-gas We offer the largest range of radiators and heater cores in Tasmania Same day service 3 YEAR NATIONWIDE WARRANTY

6243 6000 Opposite Geilston Bay High School 312 East Derwent Hwy, Lindisfarne www.easternshoreradiators.com.au

Prop Tony Rogers After hours 6248 6647 All major credit cards accepted

FIRST DRIVES: MITSUBISHI ASX

DARREN MOODY

The fundamental mechanics of the Mitsubishi ASX may date back 10 years to its original release, but its third major facelift goes more than skin deep. The new ASX has a raft of improvements and new features across the current models, with two new variants joining the line-up.

All models across the range have new sheet metal from the A pillars forward, the latest iteration of the ‘Dynamic Shield’ grille and fascia, as well as LED headlights and external lights. There have also been a few tweaks to the rear, including the bumper and rear lights. Forward collision mitigation (AEB) is now standard in all models too. In the base spec ES you can opt for the ADAS package, which adds lane departure warning, auto high beam, reverse sensors, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert for $2500. All other models get the suite of ADAS features as standard.

The ES is available in five-speed manual or CVT auto, coupled to a 110kW, 197Nm 2.0L petrol engine. LS and the newly added MR use the same engine but are CVT only. For those who think they would like a bit of extra performance, GSR and Exceed models are fitted with a 2.4L engine, increasing power and torque by 12% and 13% respectively. Keyless

‘The new ASX has a raft of improvements and new features across the current models, with two new variants joining the line-up.’

entry and start is standard for LS and above models, as well as two USB ports and a handy and safe location for your mobile phone.

MR and GSR variants are new to the range and add a sportier look and feel. Dark alloy wheels, black grille and door mirrors, privacy glass, fog lights, alloy pedals, leather appointed steering wheel, gearshift knob and park brake, and red stitching complete the MR, while the GSR is fitted with black interior headlining, a rear spoiler, paddle shift, six speaker audio along with the larger 2.4L engine. All models get the new 8” multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the top-of-the-range Exceed includes leather seat trim, four-way power driver’s seat, panoramic glass roof, 18” alloys, navigation and Rockford Fosgate premium audio with a subwoofer located in the cargo area, which does rob a little bit of usable space.

We spent a couple of days cruising country roads and highways in the Exceed and definitely noticed the extra power with the bigger engine. Making our way through country towns, the 2.4L engine and CVT combination worked exceptionally well together. It rarely flared into the top end of the rev range, which is quite common with CVT autos. Ride handling and comfort aren’t what I’d describe as class-leading, but for the most part they get the job done pretty well. When it comes to fuel economy, the official combined cycle figures are 7.6L/100km for the 2.0L and 7.9L/100km for the 2.4L. However, in my experience this varies when you actually hit the road depending on traffic conditions, vehicle condition, load and how you drive. ASX comes with Mitsubishi’s five-year warranty and has three-year capped-price servicing with an annual/15,000km cost of $199. Prices start at $24,990 drive away for the entry level ES manual, add $1750 for the auto. The new GSR with 2.4L auto is $32,240 drive away, while the top of the range Exceed is $35,740 drive away.

ASX has been the leading vehicle in the small SUV category for many years. With each model in the range offering pretty good value for money, it’s not hard to see why so many have found homes in Australian driveways.

FINANCE IT WITH US! RACT FINANCE OFFERS LOW-RATE LOANS, NO ONGOING FEES AND FAST APPROVAL. APPLY ONLINE AT RACT.COM.AU/CAR-LOANS

RACT TRAVEL MEMBER BENEFITS

SAVE $100 OFF * TRAVEL INSURANCE PAGE 36

BONUS QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER POINTS * PAGE 37

SAVE $100 * PER COUPLE PAGE 40

SAVE UP TO $800 * PER COUPLE PAGE 42-43

FREE BACKPACK * PER BOOKING PAGE 47

SAVE $100 * PER PERSON PAGE 41

SAVE $418 * PER COUPLE PAGE 46

15% OFF * PER BOOKING PAGE 48-49

SAVE $200 * PER COUPLE PAGE 38-39

WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY ELIGIBLE QUOTE! Conditions: Our Low Price Promise is more than a marketing promise, it’s our promise to our RACT members. At the time of booking (valid for new bookings only), subject to normal holiday availability and based on Australian registered businesses and websites and for travel departing from an Australian Port, we promise to beat any valid available holiday quote presented in writing for the same airline, cruiseline, tour operator and departure date in the same cabin/grade/fare type/share basis/booking class/code. Available means that the other quote is current, confirmed in writing, genuine and available to be booked at the time you present it to us. If the quoted holiday content is not available, we will offer you the best available alternative that will suit your requirements. Fares available due to membership of a group or corporate entity or subscription to a closed user group, including time share membership offers, are excluded. In the unlikely event that we cannot match a quoted price on your international holiday we will pay for you (RACT Member) to fly free to Sydney or Melbourne to meet your flight. FOR THE FULL RANGE OF MEMBER BENEFITS SEE PAGES 36-49

10 YEARS OF KEYS2DRIVE

Keys2drive recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. After its launch in Tasmania a decade ago, it is now one of Australia’s most successful driver education programs. Keys2drive offers learner drivers and their supervisors a free 60-minute driving lesson with a qualified instructor. The aim of the program is to prevent death and injury among young drivers, especially during the first six months of their P plates when they are most at risk. Within the first year of independent driving, provisional licence holders are 20 times more likely to be in a car crash than when they are on their L plates and driving with a supervisor.

Keys2drive encourages young drivers to ‘find their own way’ by focusing on more practice behind the wheel in a range of conditions, and developing a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with being a safe driver. The free lesson is also a valuable opportunity for supervising drivers to refresh their road rules and safety knowledge, so they can provide higher quality supervision.

Melanie Kate Photography

Learner driver Kaiden and his supervisor Rod having a Keys2drive lesson in Launceston with RACT driving instructor Trevor Lewis, who delivered the first Keys2drive lesson in Australia 10 years ago.

Since 2009, nearly 730,000 learner drivers and their supervisors have participated in a Keys2drive lesson across Australia.

Research conducted in 2019 found that 94% of supervisors observed that their learner driver had a greater appreciation of the risks of solo driving after having the free lesson. Additionally, 95% of supervising drivers felt more comfortable teaching their learner how to drive.

For more information on Keys2drive and to redeem a free driving lesson with a qualified instructor visit ract.com.au/ cars-and-driving/driver-training/keys2drive.

Planning your next Hobart staycation?

Heritage meets modern in the bustling capital at RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel. Enjoy spacious hotel rooms and apartments, located just a short stroll from Salamanca Market and the harbour. RACT Members save 25%* off accommodation all year round when booking direct. For more information, visit racv.com.au/hobart or call (03) 6270 8600.