THE NATIONAL BUSINESS REVIEW
‘X’ marks the hot spots this Spring
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Well, when it comes to new vehicles, quite a lot. Millions of dollars are spent by manufacturers in researching the perfect model name. Discovering – or more often conjuring out of thin semantics – a name that speaks of alpine highways and sunsets rather than a particularly nasty medical condition is crucial. It’s what separates the Mulsanne from the Magentis, the Corniche from the Curren. And it works too. Viano sounds like an Italian coastal village of ridiculous beauty but it’s actually a van. Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta is as pretty as the name suggests it should be, whereas some would say the same manufacturer’s MiTo might o’ needed further refining at the clay modeling stage. A sub-set of the name game is the seemingly random scramble of letters that follows the car’s primary title. Somehow these letters, in twos and threes, often evoke more of an immediate
SPRING 2015
emotional reaction than what precedes them on the name plate. For example, GTi and RS spring to mind as shorthand pulse quickeners, while generally speaking your lone E or L are hardly likely to have you reaching for your driving shoes. R merely suggests sporty wheel trims and the potential for plastic side skirts. But if there is a fashionable trend to be followed when it comes to these letters, then I’m picking Spring 2015’s letter of the moment is clearly X. As you’ll discover over the next few pages, X is a reoccurring theme with new models at the peak of their game this season; no less than five of the eight models we’re previewing in this edition of Showroom feature X somewhere in their title. No one bothers with B. Or N. Or P for that matter. But then you don’t need tertiary qualifications in marketing to see that the Ford Mondeo P or the Porsche Cayenne Y would simply never work.
NBR motoring editor Cameron Officer
A Daimler Brand
NBR SHOWROOM SPRING 2015
Diesel does it ...but for
how much longer? OKAY, SO THE ELEPHANT in the Showroom is of course the Volkswagen emissions scandal that broke a couple of weeks ago. It has been alleged that in the US the company has been preventing its diesels from spewing 40 times America’s legally permitted levels of nitrogen oxides into the air during emissions testing. Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn has stepped down, with other heads to follow. It’s an enormous deal affecting millions of cars in the US. The knock-on effect for Volkswagen models running these engines in other territories are still emerging as we go to print, but the resultant investigation may need to cover up to seven years’ worth of production of Volkswagen Group diesel cars. It wasn’t in any way planned but you will note not a single model highlighted in this issue of Showroom features a diesel engine. In fact only a couple of brands in the following pages even have diesel engine options in their respective model mix. Of course, that’s not to say manufacturers have been immediately shamed into ignoring their diesel engines; on the contrary Jaguar’s new Ingenium 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel (132kW/430Nm, with combined fuel consumption of 4.2-litres/100km) is a powertrain that has received much praise overseas. But while manufacturers – especially European ones – were making a great deal of noise about the improved and refined operating efficiencies of diesel engines some five or six years ago, today there is less in the way of hoopla for your average oiler. Smaller capacity turbo petrols are the order of the day, with many featuring power outputs that rival much larger engines and produce torque that was once only possible with a diesel. Petrol engines from Volkswagen Group’s line-up are perfect examples of these too; 1.4litre TSI engines that produce 92kW and 102Nm of torque for models such as the Skoda Yeti, or larger TFSI V6 units that produce fantastic figures –245kW and an impressive 440Nm – in the Audi S5 Sportback. Diesel definitely appears to have taken a back seat of late. Companies such as BMW, Mazda and Ford are marketing their efficient petrol units as the way forward. And of course, hybrid technologies are only getting more refined and appearing in more cars you actually want to be
seen in. While Volkswagen’s global reputation is no doubt suffering a BP/Gulf of Mexico oil spillsized set-back right now, taken over the longer term the current emissions scandal could well prove merely a reasonable sized cog in a bigger diesel-powered machine slowly grinding to a halt. As many as 12 months ago, Paris mayor Anne
But while manufacturers were making a great deal of noise about the improved and refined operating efficiencies of diesel engines some five or six years ago, today there is less in the way of hoopla for your average oiler
industry and its suppliers. Unless you’re a litigious American Volkswagen owner, the best thing that will hopefully come out of this scandal for the rest of us is that so-called ‘real world’ fuel economy figures will become… well, reflective of the real world. The urban, extra urban and calculated combined litres-per-100km figure your average car brochure touts are, at best, optimistic. During final development, every car manufacturer in the world conducts these fuel efficiency tests in environments unrecognisable to most. The key word is ‘test’. Because it is under clinical laboratory conditions that these figures are derived. This is why you very rarely see test mule prototype vehicles in the car park at Bunnings. Maybe with the Volkswagen situation in mind, we might start to see companies testing (and marketing) their cars in ‘real world’ scenarios. The opportunity is there for one of the big companies to take the lead on this. Maybe it’ll even be Volkswagen; it's always been savvy when it comes to marketing its cars after all. If this is the case, then the next generation of car spy photographer won’t be clinging to a chain-link fence beside the Nurburgring race track hoping for some high speed shakedown test vehicle to appear in their zoom lens. Rather they’ll be snapping away as next year’s model is filled up at the local servo by some white lab coat-draped boffins. Boffins testing next year’s model in situations and environments we can all relate to, rather than a rolling road inside a shuttered workshop. So thanks Volkswagen. You might just have done the consumer an enormous favour.
NBR motoring editor Cameron Officer
Hidalgo reportedly said she wants all diesel cars out of Paris by 2020. Given that Paris is the capital city of a country whose indigenous car makers, Peugeot, Renault and Citroen, wholeheartedly embrace diesel engines within their model mixes, this mandate could have widespread ramifications for the French car
The new SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. Make the best of every ground. Experience the off-road excellence of the new generation SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. From the cutting-edge intelligence, imperious power and supreme safety of the new GLE to the exceptionally athletic and dynamic all new GLE Coupé and all new GLC models. Experience these revolutionary vehicles for yourself at your authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership today.* www.mercedes-benz.co.nz/suv *The all new GLC model is available from 23rd November 2015.
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FEATURE
MBZ1724 GLC Launch Press NBR FP.indd 1
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WHAT’S HOT
NBR SHOWROOM SPRING 2015
WHAT'S THIS SPRING
HONDA HR-V SPORT X
MERCEDES-AMG GT S bonnet, side air vents and Distilling decades of SPECIFICATIONS fastback-style rear sited motorsport heritage into a behind a lavish, race-themed, single sports car designed for Engine: 4.0-litre biturbo V8 driver-orientated two-seater both the road and racetrack Power: 375kW cabin. would be a sizeable task for Torque: 650Nm A new 4.0-litre V8 biturbo any manufacturer. Suffice to Fuel Consumption: 9.4L/100km engine was developed say that the creation of the Price: $275,390 specifically for the GT S, GT S sports coupe had to be and responds instantly with pitch perfect, although with outstanding power delivery a performance pedigree as from low revs. The innovative lightweight engine broad as that of Mercedes-AMG, you could boasts incredible performance figures too; a also argue that it’d be almost impossible to fail. zero to 100km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top Thankfully, the Mercedes-AMG GT S is an speed of 310km/h being rather direct, emotive utterly jaw-dropping sports car; a dynamic headlines. marvel that takes the technological DNA of This powerful engine is paired with an AMG the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and builds on Speedshift DCT-7 sports transmission, and it with agility, aggression and ambition in equal even the front and rear double-wishbone measure. suspension set-up is technology adopted The GT S incorporates all of the external straight from the race track. signatures of a true sports coupe; a long
Honda’s HR-V returns to the New Zealand model mix for 2016 and features a new exterior look, versatile interior packaging and a premium level of onboard technology. The HR-V’s concealed rear door handles help create a coupe-like side profile; the sporty exterior design reinforced by the Sport X’s wide wheel track, 17” sports alloys and fog lights. In fact across the board the new HR-V range features a richly detailed specification. The HR-V Sport X adds keyless entry and start, leather seats, roof rails and side skirts, LaneWatch camera safety technology and a panoramic Sky Roof, which really opens up the interior space. There’s also a 7” Display Audio touchscreen system and – with the assistance of either TomTom navigation software on iPhone 5 or above, or Sygic App software – drivers can utilise integrated satellite navigation. In the rear of the cabin the HR-V utilises Honda’s exclusive ‘magic seat’ technology to really maximise the practicality of this crossover vehicle. ‘Magic seats’? The rear seats can be configured in 18 different ways to help load large or awkwardlyshaped items. It’s this sort of clever versatility – coupled with the HR-V’s centrally-mounted underfloor fuel tank, which frees up further interior space – that ensures Honda’s latest model is a compact crossover that still manages to boast full-size SUV-style interior space.
HOLDEN SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 1.8-litre four cylinder 16 valve petrol Power: 105kW Torque: 172Nm Fuel Consumption: 6.9L/100km Price: $41,200
WHAT’S HOT
NBR SHOWROOM SPRING 2015
SUBARU WRX PREMIUM Subaru is no longer SPECIFICATIONS a factory contender in the World Rally Engine: 2.0-litre four Championship. Yet if cylinder turbocharged there are three letters that direct injection Boxer effortlessly conjure up Power: 197kW images of gravel and dust Torque: 350Nm and hairpin turns through Fuel Economy: 8.6L/100km the pine forests of the Price: $54,990 country, it would have to be ‘W’, ‘R’ and ‘X’. Subaru boasts a distinct motorsport history unlike any other manufacturer when it comes to crafting all-wheel drive rally weaponry. And, although the WRX of today is a sophisticated beast, there’s still something edgy and aggressive about the way this legendary model looks and performs. That wide-bodied sports kit featuring boxy fenders, mesh grille, cavernous bonnet scoop and aggressive 18” alloy wheels speak of pure performance. Under the skin, Subaru’s tried and tested Boxer engine and Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system creates a perfectly balanced sports car with a low centre of gravity; all the better for those sinewy back roads. If it’s all raw aggression outside, the WRX Premium ups the feature set inside with an excellent array of onboard technology. Sports bucket seats, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a new infotainment system with integrated satellite navigation and Traffic real-time route information are all standard. Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist software are also included, as is a Rear Cross Traffic Alert system which helps warn the driver of traffic approaching from the side when backing out of parking spots and driveways.
Reconnect
while you stay connected
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT SI4
New m{zd{ 6.
SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo petrol Power: 177kW Torque: 340Nm Fuel Consumption: 8.0L/100km Price: $82,000
It’s somewhat reassuring to look around the premium cabin of the Land Rover Discovery Sport Si4 – all sumptuous leather, clean surfaces, brushed aluminium accents and high quality instrument and centre console graphics – and remind oneself that this vehicle comes equipped with features such as off-road Terrain Response and optional Wade Sensing. After all, thanks to innovative off-road technologies the New Discovery Sport lives up to the most demanding expectations. The Terrain Response feature adapts to the responses of the vehicle’s engine, gearbox, differentials and chassis systems to maximise driveability, comfort and traction. There are four standard Terrain Response settings: General Driving, Grass/ Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts and Sand. In other words, the Discovery Sport Si4 is ready for anything straight out of the box. Meanwhile, with a wading depth of up to 600mm, the Discovery Sport Si4 really can go anywhere. The optional Wade Sensing system located in the door mirrors that provides pictorial real-time information about the water’s depth in relation to the vehicle will prove invaluable. So yes, it might be a somewhat sleeker take on the familiar lines of the Discovery but it remains a real Land Rover through and through.
life without compromise.
Too often we must compromise in order to achieve excellence. In building the New Mazda6 we chose to do it without compromise. While SKYACTIV Technology delivers exceptional fuel economy from just 5.4L/100km*, it never sacrifices the enjoyment of driving. In addition, i-ACTIVSENSE Safety gives you another set of eyes on the road, but never takes you away from the centre of the action. Plus, MZD Connect keeps you entertained, informed and in-touch with your world, even when you’re not there. Experience life without compromise for yourself with the New Mazda6.
mazda.co.nz
* ADR81-02 combined fuel consumption for the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine.
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SUZUKI VITARA LTD AWD A dependable SPECIFICATIONS fixture of the SUV landscape for a Engine: 1.5-litre four couple of decades cylinder 16 valve petrol now, the latest version Power: 86kW of the Suzuki Vitara Torque: 156Nm signals something of Fuel Economy: 6.3L/100km a sea-change for the Price: $36,790 (Two-tone model. exterior finish) Not only does the new Vitara showcase a new exterior look that is distinctly different from its predecessor, but it also adopts a feature-rich specification list that encourages the idea of Suzuki’s popular compact SUV as the premium offering you haven’t yet considered. The Vitara Ltd features a panoramic sunroof, reversing camera, six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth handsfree phone connectivity and audio streaming, keyless entry and start, as well as mixed leather and suede seat fabrics and front and rear parking sensors. Outside, the Vitara’s distinctive chrome grille is framed by LED projector headlamps with automatic light sensing and auto-leveling, and 17” alloy wheels are standard. There’s even a colourcoded panel insert in the dashboard. On top of all that, in all-wheel drive guise, the new Vitara features Suzuki’s Allgrip four-mode driving system. It’s simply a matter of pushing a button in the centre console to access any of the four selectable Allgrip modes. Auto is for standard driving (with intelligent four-wheel drive when the system detects a lack of grip); Sport improves on accelerator response; tractionenhanced Snow; or Lock, which sends torque to the back wheels to get out of the really rough stuff.
NBR SHOWROOM SPRING 2015
SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder SKYACTIV-G petrol Power: 118kW Torque: 200Nm Fuel Consumption: 6.9L/100km Price: $46,995
WHAT’S HOT
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MAZDA MX-5 2.0 LIMITED If it’s pure driving fun you’re after this coming summer, there’s still nothing quite like Mazda’s legendary MX-5. The fourth generation of the world’s most popular bang-for-buck-themed two-seater sports car has arrived just in time for some seasonal ‘top down’ motoring and, as with its predecessors, the 2016 MX-5 takes a distinct ‘less is more’ approach to optimal performance. Everything is lower, lighter and leaner; it’s all part of Mazda’s ‘gram strategy’ weight saving programme that ensures engineers eke out micro-savings of weight across all of the car’s components to ensure a significantly lighter whole. The MX-5’s wheelbase has been shortened by 20mm, as have the front and rear overhangs. The car sits 10mm lower, while it is now 15mm wider. The 2.0-litre model weighs in at 1033kg; that’s 96kg lighter than the previous 2.0-litre MX-5. The windscreen has been moved backward, extending the bonnet line to give it more of a signature sports car profile. Underneath its restyled skin though, the MX-5 still boasts 50:50 weight distribution. A lighter, wider car with a lower centre of gravity adds up to a sports car that remains a wonderfully agile on-road performer. Take this dynamic set-up and add its sublime short-throw six-speed Skyactiv manual gearbox (an automatic transmission is also available) and the MX-5 becomes one of the most engaging driver’s cars you’re likely to experience.
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Legacy 3.6rs Premium
669 pm + GST
from $
*
RRP $49,990* including GST
SHOT OVERSEAS
Time for a performance review. If style and attitude are important to your company, why not consider Subaru Legacy as your company vehicle. It’s our biggest Legacy yet, packing a powerful 3.6 litre 6-cylinder or 2.5 litre 4-cylinder Boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 18-inch alloy wheels.
GAME OVER.
“ONCE ENTHUSIASTS DRIVE AN XE, IT’S GAME OVER FOR ANYTHING ELSE IN THE CLASS. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.” — ROAD & TRACK
With suspension derived from the F-TYPE and strong, lightweight aluminium construction, Jaguar XE is the sports sedan redefined. You could just get a 3 Series or C-Class like everyone else, or the new XE Prestige* can be yours for $78,900 + ORC. Contact us today. JAGUAR.CO.NZ
The sophisticated sedan comes wrapped up in a bigger, better package including EyeSight Driver Assist system and rear-reversing camera. Book a test drive today by visiting your local Subaru Authorised Dealer or calling 0800 SUBARU (782278). Find out more at subaru.co.nz.
THE ART OF PERFORMANCE
*Lease rate based on a Non-Maintained Operating Lease for 60,000km over 48 months. Normal credit criteria and conditions apply. Offer available until 31 December 2015. Other terms and kms available on request. The 2015 Legacy 3.6RS Premium RRP is $49,990 including GST. Excludes accessories and on road costs. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer.
*Prices for the Jaguar XE Pure start from $74,900, which is available to order, delivery from October 2015.
SUB/PR/6728A
XE PRESTIGE FROM
$78,900*
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HOLDEN INSIGNIA VXR Holden brings SPECIFICATIONS the GermanEngine: 2.8-litre twin scroll engineered Insignia turbo V6 VXR performance sedan Power: 239kW to an eager New Zealand Torque: 435Nm audience. Within a Fuel Consumption: single package, it 11.3L/100km delivers the looks Price: $69,990 and power of a car purpose-built for enthusiasts, twinned with new safety technology. The Insignia VXR is powered by a 2.8-litre twin scroll turbo V6 that delivers a fantastic mix of power (239kW) and torque (435Nm). The six-speed automatic transmission is paired with paddle shifters for a more involved on-road experience, while the Insignia’s adaptive all-wheel drive system utilises a combination of torque transfer technology to channel torque to the rear axle and an electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) to distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. This helps to maximise car control and grip through corners. Want more proof of performance? The svelte lines of the Insiginia’s head-turning sedan body style are complemented by 20” sports alloy wheels, while Brembo front brakes and supportive Recaro front seats add to the idea of this as a pure driver’s car. The Insignia VXR features Adaptive Cruise Control; a radar-based system which allows the driver to maintain not only the desired open road speed but also the distance between the Insignia VXR and the vehicle ahead. Combined with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), under the right conditions this system can even slow the car to a complete stop should it detect an obstacle in front.
JAGUAR XE S
Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6 Power: 250kW Torque: 450Nm Fuel Economy: 8.1L/100km Price: $106,000
THE NEW DISCOVERY SPORT
MAKE EVERY DAY EXTRAORDINARY. FROM $78,500. landrover.co.nz
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SPECIFICATIONS
You’re going to notice some distinct repetition here. Jaguar’s all-new XE mid-size sedan offering is such a pure ‘clean sheet’ design, that it is impossible to discuss even a handful of its many premium features without the words ‘new’ or ‘first’ entering the fray. The XE is quite simply the most advanced sports sedan Jaguar has ever produced. It is the first Jaguar developed from Jaguar Land Rover’s all new modular architecture (a design blueprint that we’ll see underpinning several new Jaguars over the coming years). It’s also the first Jaguar to boast All Surface Progress Control; a new low-speed traction management system designed for low-grip environments. The XE features an all-new infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, stereo camera technology that enables autonomous emergency braking and a new highcontrast Head Up Display unit. The XE is also the first Jaguar to use Electric Power Assisted Steering and it’s the first car in the world to use high-strength aluminium predominantly manufactured from recycled material. The bits that aren’t entirely new are fantastic too, such as the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 in the XE S, taken directly from Jaguar’s F-Type sports coupe. The centre roundels in the rear lights, meanwhile, have been designed to evoke those of the iconic 1960s E-Type.
The new Discovery Sport is the perfect car to spark your spirit of adventure, delivering optimum performance both on and off road. Handle any environment with confidence, thanks to the generous wheel articulation and innovative off-road technologies such as Terrain Response and optional Wade Sensing. Beautifully complemented by the luxury interior and deceptively spacious cabin with optional 5+2 seats, now the whole family can explore new terrain in premium comfort. The Discovery Sport is the first in a new generation of Land Rover SUV Design. With prices starting from just $78,500 + ORC, what will your first adventure be? Head into your nearest dealer to arrange a test drive today.
Land Rover New Zealand TTM © Rugby World Cup Limited 1986–2015. All rights reserved.
APROPOS 31221
www.honda.co.nz
HR-V
The all new HR-V is here – redefining space, quality and style. Combining the elegant fluidity of a coupe with the utility of a SUV, the 5-door crossover HR-V offers luxury, dynamic performance, and class-leading space. see. be seen.
head turner