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Friday 28 February 2014
Ford’s feisty thriller
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Ford Fiesta review
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Friday 28 February 2014
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Floored by the French
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Weekend Wheels Bay of Plenty March 1: SunLive School Principals’ Challenge: ASB Baypark Speedway Principals from 24 Western Bay schools will go head-to-head on the track to test their mini-stock racing skills in the SunLive School Principals’ Challenge. The night of stock car action starts at ASB Baypark at 6.30pm. Details: www.asbbaypark.co.nz/speedway March 2: All Ford Day: Blake Park Ford-lovers are in for a treat with Fords of all shapes, styles and ages on display at the annual Ford Muscle Club event. The fundraising event for the Child Cancer Foundation is open to the public from 10am-3pm, with prize-giving at 2.30pm. Adult entry is $5, under-14s free entry. Details: www.fordmusclecars.org.nz March 2: Rotorua motorsport: Ngongotaha hillclimb Bay drivers can put their hillclimb skills to the test in Rotorua Car Club’s notorious Ngongotaha challenge. Details: www.mbop.org.nz
Debra Eley, collecting the Citroen DS4 she won for a month from Tauranga Citroen dealer principal John Hayes and Citroen New Zealand divisional manager Simon Rose. Photo by Bruce Barnard.
Chocolate, cheese, wine – we’ve all arrived home surprised at what you discover in your shopping basket, but what about a Citroen? Nosh Mount Maunganui customer Debra Eley did just that in January, when she won the use of a Citroen DS4 Sport for a month from shopping at the Mount Maunganui store. Tauranga Citroen dealer principal John Hayes dealer says it is great to see a local driver win the DS4 Sport for a month, in what is the French car brand’s first promotion of its kind. “She is delighted. She couldn’t believe it – in fact
she had forgotten she’d entered the competition,” says John, about the joint Citroen-Nosh promotion, which let Debra enjoy the highly-spec sporty hatch. Debra has been impressed by the Citroen, the first of the French marque she’s ever driven, saying she enjoyed its “pep” and its smart features. “It’s the first time I’ve won anything decent – I don’t think I’ve won anything more than $20 on a Lotto ticket – so I’m loving it.” Debra says it is quite a change from the big Dodge Journey she normally drives with her children, but it could be another option to consider when updating her car. “I won’t be updating my car for a few years, but you never know.” By Hamish Carter
March 8: Gravel sprints: TECT All Terrain Park Motorsport Bay of Plenty will hold its first gravel sprint competition for the year with its annual day-night sprint event on Te Matai Motorsport’s gravel tracks. Racing from 11am-10pm. Details: www.mbop.org.nz March 15: Stock car special: ASB Baypark Speedway An exciting night of entertainment and action is promised at ASB Baypark with the Red Ant Design Sprint Car Gold Cup, where the Bay’s super saloon championships and demolition derby titles are up for grabs. Details: www.asbbaypark.co.nz/speedway
Beyond the Bay: March 15-16: Fram Autolite New Zealand Drag Nationals: Meremere The country’s top drag racers will go head-to-head in the nationals, with high octane excitement also on offer by all other classes, including top alcohol, top door slammer and competition bike categories. Qualifying is on Saturday 11am-7pm, with racing on Sunday 10am-4pm. Details: www.framautolitedragway.co.nz
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Friday 28 February 2014
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Fab Fiesta’s magical mystery tour
Ford should seriously consider renaming their Fiesta the Ford Feisty. For an economical little engine, it sure packs a punch. Or maybe it should be the Ford Enigma – it leaves more questions than answers! Not since Cadbury mysteriously got the caramel into caramello, has there been such a puzzle; but this mystery about how so much power can come out of a frugal little motor. The latest Fiesta range rolls out in Trend, Sport and ST versions. Bay Driver took the Sport auto for a spin this week, with the 1L motor that won the International Engine of the year in 2012 and 2013. It is appropriately coloured Chilli Orange. It sure was hot! Any misconceptions about the Fiesta being a nana’s shopping basket were firmly blown out the back hatch as we unleashed this startling little beast onto Hewletts Rd and out to the highway. Although I hasten to add that the Fiesta is perfectly well-mannered and could easily cruise along in the role of sedate shopping cart if so desired. However, even the most conservative nana would be reluctant to rein back the willing little horses under the hood, once experienced. Coupled with very reassuring handling characteristics, the Fiesta package inspires positive and confident driving, in any traffic and any conditions.
SPECS
Tie down the croquet mallet, ma, you’re gonna to feel the rush! “Fuelled by confidence” is a line from the brochure that really does sum up the Feisty. Science and cunning Equally, the sporty handling and a ‘spring in its stride’ will be appealing to the younger set, looking for a snappy performer with firm, sporty ride, great handling and responsive power on demand. (And of course, those allimportant “connections” to the etherworld, without which the current generation would grind to a halt). How Ford has managed this amazing paradox of economy and power, from a 1000cc, three-cylinder engine is beyond me. I guess that’s why they make cars and we just talk about them. Last time I drove a three-cylinder was an ancient Charade of 900cc that really shouldn’t have been let out alone. Dad’s rotary hoe had more torque, and probably handled better. It was a positive menace on the highway and the motor should have been reserved for a motorbike or a large lawnmower. However, the feisty Fiesta’s Ecoboost is a far cry from those dim days; and it shows just how far science and cunning has come in a couple of short decades. Ford has taken a step closer again towards that holy grail of miserly economy motoring, twinned with performance when you need it. (The improved fuel economy means reduced emissions, too, if you stress about homeless polar bears and keeping beardo weirdos in high paid jobs saving the planet). The innovation doesn’t stop there. Hands-free technology means not only is the car accu-
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TM G coboost E e tr li .0 Engine: 1 rbo injection) Tu 000rpm 2kW @ 6 1400-1450rpn 9 : r e Pow @ rating 70Nm Torque: 1 tar ANCAP safety l or a S Safety: 5 on: 5-speed manu hift si rs e is w o sm p n a Tr 6 speed r Group – Ford ate Moto 0 im lt U Contact: hone 07 579 018 P
rately controlled – your work requirements, social life and entertainment are also kept in check. Everything from music to phone calls are under voice command, while hands and eyes are focussed on the road. So you can call Greenpeace by just breathing out some CO2, keeping your eyes watching for endangered little spotty penguins, while zipping along in economical yet highlyresponsive mode. Safety technologies are taking leaps and bounds, and Ford calls it the Intelligent Protection System – airbags and side impact airbags in the front, side curtain airbags front and rear, collapsible steering column and driver pedals, dynamic stability control, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist. The list goes on with impact-absorbing shell, rigid safety cell and crumple zones. It all adds up to a five star ANCAP rating.
Street appeal
It’s a sexy package, too. For a hatchback with a trendy almost wedgelike shape, it has surprisingly excellent visibility from the inside. The new grille is part of
the latest Ford family DNA that’s becoming familiar on virtually all new models. The striking looks on the outside are matched by its capability on the street.
On the road
Out on the road, we were quickly impressed with the power on tap, combined with smooth and precise shifting through the six-stage automatic. Handling was extremely precise. I’ve always respected Fords for their rail-like cornering; and first impressions in the Fiesta took me back to the days of the Lasers, which I believe were streets ahead in road feel and precision handling. That same thrill of exacting driving experience would be reason enough to like this feisty Sport. Everything felt right, driving the Fiesta. The ride was firm and sporty. The seats with partial leather inserts wrapped and hugged while offering support; leaving the steering wheel for just that. The Ecoboost was free and easy with the power, delivered light and smooth with almost unperceivable shifts between the six gears. Out Welcome Bay Rd and into the foothills, the Fiesta was easily urged along country roads, equally at home on the twisty byways, as the broad highways. Around town, the Fiesta behaved impeccably as a small town car. Parking was a doddle. At the lights, hill park start assist prevents rolling back while on a slope. Into the shopping centre and the Fiesta was neat to park. The front door access is wide and easy for those who have mobility restrictions. There appears to be no sacrifice for the back seat either, with ample room in a truly spacious four-door car. We came away from Ultimate Motor Group genuinely impressed with the Fiesta. And at the same time still a little mystified about that pocket rocket under the bonnet. Bearing in mind this model is the 1L. There’s also 1.5L and the stunning ST with a 1.6L engine; if you really want to endanger some species. By Brian Rogers
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Friday 28 February 2014
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Friday 28 February 2014
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Cody’s reign continues
Chasing the big league Tauranga’s Adam Davies (blue car), leading the eventual battlewinner Vincent Langhorn in the Pro-Am final.
Pro-Am podium (from left) runner-up Tauranga’s Adam Davies, winner Vincent Langhorn and thirdplace getter Joel Hedges.
Photos by Jason Anderson, Fast Company.
Tauranga drifter Adam Davies’ goal of competing at the top of the motorsport game came a step closer last weekend, when he finished runner up in the national Pro-Am D1NZ drift round at Taupo. After qualifying as the fastest competitor, Adam went on to make it through to the final battle, with Auckland’s Vincent Langhorn, achieving his best result in the series since he began competing seriously last year. The result took his series standing to eighth – within striking distance of finishing the season in the top four, so he can step up to D1NZ’s top league against the country’s best drivers. “I was pretty happy with that. It was a real confidence boost and feels like we’re getting some momentum after all the trouble at Baypark.” From placing fourth in the second round at Whangarei, Adam failed to qualify at ASB Baypark after breaking three axles in practice and qualifying
rounds in his Nissan 180SX 13B. “I changed the ‘diff ’ to try to compensate for keeping it in one gear, but the axle was too weak to cope,” says Adam, about his Baypark disasters. “So it was great to get some momentum going again.” Adam, who first got a taste for drifting eight years ago when he started “playing around” in events, got into the motorsport more seriously three years ago when returning from the UK, going on to place fourth in the NAC Drift Nationals in 2012. Last year Adam raced his first serious season in the D1NZ Pro-Am. After some trouble in the first rounds, his performance improved, with him ultimately finishing in 11th spot. Adam is now aiming for top performances in the final rounds in Christchurch in April, then Pukekohe in May. Fellow Western Bay drivers aiming to build on their success are Cole Armstrong, who qualified second and finished fourth, pushing him up to seventh place in the national championship; and Drew By Hamish Carter Donovan, who is ranked 10th.
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all three races in the MX1 round in Tokoroa. Cody, who started the series strongly by claiming the lead in Timaru, has stretched his series margin (now on 145), followed by Scotland’s Billy MacKenzie (124), while third place is shared three ways by Taupo’s Brad Groombridge and Australians Ford Dale and Kirk Gibbs Logan, who missed (all with 110). the 125cc class title On top of Cody’s by a frustrating one performance the point last year, had stand-out MX1 riders got off to a good on the day were start to the series in Brad, who finished Timaru earlier this the Tokoroa-round month, finishing first runner up, and Billy, after a fierce battle whose consistent with Hamilton rival riding saw him move Josiah Natze. from third to second But mechanical overall on the day. problems on Logan’s Speaking after the first Tokoroa round round, Cody says he’s saw him finish fifth, happy with his three while a crash when wins – something he leading the third race Mount Maunganui’s reckons is “all about sealed his patchy Cody Cooper is hoping his results – dropping unbeatable form at Tokoroa on respecting the track”, with its challenging back to third place Sunday will continue. make-up of volcanic in the series (104 Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com ash and sand. points) behind Josiah Manager Ben Townley describes the (139) and Atiamuri’s Hadleigh Knight round as an “almost perfect day”, with (119). Cody qualifying fastest, winning all Tauranga’s Aaron Wiltshier, who three events and taking two out of finished third in the same class at the three hole shots. “He showed consistfirst round, is in fourth place (82). ency, perfect execution and he was However Mount Maunganui’s Cody mistake-free.” Cooper, the reigning New Zealand The four-round series continues at Motocross Championships series titlePukekohe on March 9, before conholder, continued his long-standing cluding at Taupo on March 22. dominance of the sport by winning
The Western Bay’s dominance in the national motocross championships series loosened at Tokoroa on Saturday, with Te Puke’s Logan Blackburn falling back to third place after a disastrous round.
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Mark Stretton (centre) with some of his Ford mates who run Cortinas and Mustangs with him in the Pre-65 class.
Blue-blooded family reunion Whether it’s for the all-American Mustangs, classic British Cortinas or the latest Australian-made Falcons, there will be lots to take your attention at All Ford Day on Sunday. The annual Ford display at Mount Maunganui’s Blake Park, is the perfect excuse for anyone with a Ford in the garage or the shed to show off their pride and joy. Club founder and president Barry Gordon is hoping the event, now in its 15th year, will attract about 300 cars of all styles and ages. “We want to hear from all Ford enthusiasts. It’s open to anyone, not just members.” The event will see cars compete in eight classes, ranging from best vintage or veteran Ford (up to 1931), post-vintage (up to 1940), along with best American, European, Australian cars, through to commercial, competition and hot rod categories. Entries can be made on the day (from 8am) or contact Barry on 027 201 0428. In keeping with All Ford Day’s reputation as one of the country’s top Ford events, this year it is also attracting a special mystery guest from the motor company. The event, which is a fundraiser for the Child Cancer Foundation, opens to the public from 10am-3pm, with prize-giving at 2.30pm. Children’s attractions, including a bouncy castle, are on offer this year. Adult entry is $5, with free entry for Under-14s. For information, visit www.fordmusclecars.org.nz By Hamish Carter
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Mark I racing: reliving history For Mark Stretton nothing beats it. The one-eyed Ford fan just loves getting out on the track racing his classic Mark I Cortina. “It’s just great getting out and racing it; it’s the best,” says Mark, who has been a Mark I fan since he was a lad. For the last five years, he’s raced in the Independent Race Classes series, being attracted to the Pre-65 class for the combination of fun, competition and the sheer joy of getting out and racing the classic Mark I. “It’s pretty competitive when the green light goes on and everyone’s giving it everything,” says Mark. “But overall, it’s just as much about the fun you have getting together with a good bunch for a great weekend.” The mixed field of pre-65 cars ranges from V8 Holdens and Mustangs in the powerful A class, down to the Minis and smaller engine cars in the D class, all racing around the track. “It adds to the excitement when you’ve got a V8 racing alongside you,” says Mark, who growing up in a Ford family has had a series of the badge’s cars since starting with a Mark II Escort in his teens. When the chance came to buy a Cortina, he leapt at it. Aside from being in great condition, Mark says his car has a close connection with the site where he now owns Tenpin Tauranga, with previous owner and panelbeater Johnny Brocas building and restoring the 1963 GO Cortina on the spot 20 years ago. “I love the shape of the two-door Mark I, I grew up with it and being able to race it is just something else.”
At almost the halfway point in the seven-round series, last weekend Mark hoped to build on the success from his first three rounds where he was in fourth place in his C class (up to 2 litre), when he headed to Manfeild. “I had a bit of a dingle, but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” says Mark, who found himself bearing down on a car that had spun out with nowhere to go. “The body didn’t take any damage, but I hit my front wheel and that has pushed the suspension out.” In the five years Mark has been racing in the North Island series, his best result has been fourth – but it’s a position he’s reasonably happy with, given the top drivers of the 13-strong field in his class spend a lot more on car performance. “For the rest of us, it’s a bit more relaxed,” he says, but despite his relaxed talk Mark is already looking ahead to the fifth round in Hampton Downs on March 22-23. “Hopefully I can make up some lost ground from a couple of DNFs [Did Not Finishes]”. The Tauranga Ford Muscle Car Club member had planned to enter his Mark I in the All Ford Day display this Sunday, but when the Bay Driver spoke with him earlier this week he was unsure if it would still be having its suspension repaired. “I’m a dedicated Ford fan and really enjoy the All Ford Day. Last year I was unable to take part because it clashed with the series, but if I can’t enter the Mark I – I’ll put the XW Fairmont in.”
By Hamish Carter
Tauranga Ford lover Mark Stretton with his beloved 1963 Mark I two-door GO Cortina he races in the Independent Race Classes series.
2-MARCH 2014 10am - 3pm Blake Park
Mount Maunganui
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