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Archive for January, 2020

Amarok V6 Diesel Gains A Third Pedal.

Proving that some manufacturers do listen to customer feedback, Volkswagen has given its V6 diesel Amarok a third pedal. The Amarok V6 Core TDI500 4×4 Performance has 165kW between 3,250rpm and 4,500rpm, and a very decent 500Nm of torque from 1,250rpm to 3,000rpm. This means it’s good for a towed (braked) capacity of 3.0 tonnes. Payload is 1,004 kilograms.

Ryan Davies, The Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, Ryan Davies, said: “At every off-road, caravan and camping expo and Big Red Bash concert the team and I attend, we speak with current owners and members of the off-roading community who have begged us to bring an Amarok V6 manual to Australia. It was because of that passion that we were able to mount a case with our head office in Germany to build one and, based on Australia remaining the number one export market in the world for the V6 Amarok, we are finally able to offer this unique, Aussie-spec ‘Rok.”

It’s the addition of the six speed manual that makes the difference here. The six-speed manual gearbox is paired with a non-permanently engaged four-wheel drive system, whereas the eight speed auto has a permanent full-time 4WD setup. The part-time transfer box permits two gear stages which is the engagement of the front driven wheels and changing to the reduction speed, or low range, transmission. These are activated electronically via console mounted buttons, meaning no mechanical lever is required to get ready for muddy or off-road excursions. There is also an off-road mode, which is activated by the press of a button or automatically when 4×4 low range is engaged.  A mechanical rear-axle differential lock is fitted as standard.

Hill–descent assist limits downhill velocities by acting upon all four brakes as required, and will work at keeping the speed as constant as possible. This works best between two and thirty kilometres per hour. It will also assist in reversing situations downhill.

Inside there is heavy duty rubber coverings for the front and rear seats to help with cleaning after going off-road, The steering wheel  is leather wrapped, climate control is of the semi-automatic style, and VW’s App-Connect system is standard, The rear view camera adds an extra safety level with Park Distance Control. 17 inch wheels and LED running lights add some visual appeal, as do the extras for the Core Enduro version.

A black sports bar behind the cabin, a bonnet protector, and Enduro decals in black provide spice. Pricing is competive, with the Core 4×4 six speed manual listing at $49,590 whilst the Enduro lists at the same price. Check with your Volkswagen dealer to be sure.

 

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What to Look For During a Test Drive

When we jump behind the wheel of a car we’re familiar with, we often take for granted the number of things that contribute to our driving experience. In part, this is because we become familiar with all the facets everything that makes it run like clockwork.

But what about when we are shopping for a new car? A new vehicle is a completely difference experience, after all. As is often the case, we start to notice subtle differences – ones that may even shape our purchasing decision. With this in mind, as you start drawing up your shortlist of cars to check out, here are some of the key things to look for during a test drive.

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Features and amenities

Decide which features you need in a vehicle, and distinguish them from those considered ‘luxuries’. For example, you may wish to evaluate the importance of the vehicle’s: drive system, fuel system, climate control, upholstery, entertainment system, aesthetics, paintjob, airbags, GPS, cameras and sensors, as well as the inclusion of other safety-focused technology.

Depending on your needs, prioritise and rank these amenities in order of importance so that you are prepared to compromise on something if need be. You’ll get a better idea as to which features matter most from your commute around town, but also think ahead as to what driving conditions you will encounter most of the time in your day-to-day driving.

 

Ride quality and feel

It’s standard procedure for test drives to last a short period of time. While certainly better than nothing, this often falls short of providing an adequate ‘feel’ for the vehicle. As such, try asking for a lengthened trial, where you might be able to experience the vehicle in different weather conditions, and to assess whether it fits in your garage. Some dealers will even let you borrow the car for a weekend, but this is subject to availability and certain conditions.

Importantly, take the vehicle on roads that you would normally travel on. Not only does this familiarity help lower the chance of becoming distracted, it will assist you in making an informed and balanced assessment on the vehicle’s handling and ride comfort.

As part of the test, try operate the vehicle under differing road conditions – light traffic, heavy traffic, on a freeway, roundabouts, and sharp corners. Meanwhile, put climate control and other technologies through their paces – this is an area where some vehicles still encounter teething issues, and there are few things more frustrating in a vehicle than a GPS system which doesn’t recognise your voice!

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Some of the key things you’ll want to look out for include:

  • does the suspension feels soft and cushion-like, or hard and uncomfortable?
  • does steering feels light and precise, or requires a greater exertion of effort?
  • does the engine offer enough punch and acceleration to meet your needs?
  • is there a sense of balance and poise in terms of handling on the road?
  • does the car operate with low noise?
  • is it easy to maneouvre and perform three-point turns in the vehicle?
  • if it is something you desire, does the car feel as though it would be up to the task in off-road settings?

 

The Ride Environment

While all the bells and whistles might be tempting, step inside the vehicle and familiarise yourself with its layout. How is the visibility from the driver’s seat? Is there clear access for the driver to reach controls and dials? Is it an intuitive and user-friendly layout? Are passengers, especially those in the back seats, provided adequate space for a comfortable ride? Are the seats able to be adjusted and folded down? Is there a suitable number of storage compartments or space in the boot? How does the general build quality of the vehicle rate, both internally and externally?

 

At the end of the day, if you’re unable to find the right vehicle, there’s no harm in continuing to test drive other vehicles beyond your shortlist. Follow the above considerations and the process will be a whole lot easier


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BMW Has Upped The M Pure Factor.

BMW Group Australia has expanded their range by adding in four models that comes under the M Pure banner. A key factor is that value versus the standard specification has changed as there is extra features added for what is effectively the same dollar ask. They also retain the same powertrain to keep costs down. The models that have been given the extra specification cover the spectrum of the current range.

M Models have experienced startling growth for BMW Australia, with a 40% growth in 2019. Worldwide there has been a 32.2% increase for the M brand in 2019 over 2018, with 135,829 finding a new home last year.

The models that have been given the M Pure treatment are the X2 M35i, M 340i xDrive, X5 M50i, and X6 M50i. They join the M550i xDrive Pure model, which was announced late last year and will also be available from early 2020.

First up is the X2 M35i Pure and priced from $64,400, manufacturer’s list price. Standard features are extensive, and include M Sport brakes sitting inside 20inch M light alloy wheels in a double spoke style and coated in Cerium Grey. Run flat tyres are fitted. There is also the M Sport diff and front limited slip diff plus the obligatory M Suspension. There is an automatic tailgate and some good tech inside. A HUD or head up display is complemented by M Sport seats, with BMW’s Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line and BMW Individual Headliner Anthracite.

Additional equipment features are Dakota leather trim, powered and heated pews, lumbar support and BMW’s Comfort Access. Sounds come from famed audio company Harman Karmon. The extra kit is valued at $6,000.

The M340i xDrive Pure starts from $94,900. Wheels here are also Cerium Grey, double spoked, and are at 19 inches in diameter. Along with the M Sport stoppers and diff, items such as adaptive LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, and HUD, sit alongside BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus. Trim is BMW Individual Headliner Anthracite whilst the Sports Seats have Sensatec/Alcantara upholstery. The standard spec on top has BMW’s innovative Laserlight system with BMW Selective Beam up front, and auto tailgate at the rear. In between is a glass roof, Harman Kardon audio, ambient lighting to be enjoyed from the heated front seats whilst all pews get leather upholstery. The instrument panel has BMW’s Sensatec. The price here starts at $104,900, with the value overall rated as $12,400.

X5 M50i Pure sees a pricetag of $136,900 (manufacturer’s list price) with the X5 M50i at $151,900. Cerium Grey again is the chosen colour, this time on 22 inch alloys with a V shaped spoke design. Again there are the M Sport features underneath and now there is the M Sport exhaust and M Sport power steering. Suspension is the adaptive M Sport system. Inside is the Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus, and also the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. A panorama glass roof is fitted, and LED lighting for night driving. Trim is the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, and ambient lighting once again adds some luxury and class. Comfort Access and wireless charging round out the list.

The extra specification in addition to the X5 M50i Pure is valued at $19,000, for a starting price is $151,900. Adaptive M Suspension Professional, includes adaptive M Suspension, Active Anti-Roll Stabilisation and Integral Active Steering are underneath, and the Laserlight/Selective Beam lights the way. Soft Close Doors start the interior additions, and there is 4 zone climate control along with heated and cooling cupholders to cope with the Australian weather extremes. Leather surrounds the BMW Individual Instrument Panel.

The final stanza in the M Pure story is the X6 M50i Pure from $140,900, with the extra equipment from $155,900. There’s the 22 inch wheels and run flats, brakes, diff, exhaust, and steering, plus the adaptive suspension. The auto tailgate is standard, as is adaptive LED headlights, Comfort Access, heated front sports seats, and the Driving Assistant Professional & Parking Assistant Plus. Internals also have wireless smartphone charging, HUD, Individual High-Gloss Shadowline, and Live Cockpit Professional.

The extras underneath cover BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension Professional, includes adaptive M Suspension, Active Anti-Roll Stabilisation, and Integral Active Steering. Naturally the Laserlight & Selective Beam front end is included, as are 4 zone climate control, heated & cooled cupholders, the leather-bound Individual Instrument Panel, soft close doors, and metallic paint.

Australia’s BMW range will expand even further in 2020, with the M8 Competition Coupé, M8 Competition Gran Coupé, X5 M Competition, X6 M Competition and M2 CS due to arrive. http://credit-n.ru/offers-zaim/lime-zaim-zaymi-online.html

Jeep Helps Farmers Across Borders.

Jeep Australia is supporting Farmers Across Borders right now, leading a convoy of road trains from Esperance to Meekatharra to deliver much needed hay to drought-affected farmers.

Twenty road trains loaded with donated fodder departed from the Esperance Shire recently and made an overnight pit-stop in Leonora before reaching their destination, Meekatharra, on Australia Day.

“We’re excited to be delivering fodder to farmers in Meekatharra and surrounding towns this Australia Day,” said Ms Sam Starcevich, co-founder of Farmers Across Borders.

“West Australian farmers continue to face some of the most challenging conditions we’ve ever seen, and our support is needed now more than ever before.”

Jeep Australia will once again fuel the volunteers throughout their journey, providing breakfast and dinner over the 1000 kilometres travelled. Jeep will also provide a fleet of Jeep support vehicles for the Farmers Across Borders team to travel in, as they did for the 2019 run.

“Farmers Across Borders is an incredible cause and Jeep Australia is proud to support the team’s efforts as they give back to the Aussie farmers who so desperately need our help,” said Managing Director and CEO of Jeep Australia, Kevin Flynn.

On average, a road train will need approximately $10,000 of fuel to make the trip, and Farmers Across Borders still need help to fund fuel costs. To donate or find out more information about Farmers Across Borders, please visit the Jeep “Farmers Across Borders” website.

These complement the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners drive at the same time, with 200 trucks full of hay and straw heading to the Armidale region in NSW. Around 10 trucks left Horsham in Victoria on the Thursday morning before the Australia Day weekend, meeting with another convoy of about 30 trucks at St Arnaud, also in the Wimmera, before going onto Burrumbuttock in the NSW Riverina.

Most of the hay will be headed for Armidale, while some will go to farmers affected by bushfires. Mr Sam McGennisken, who had allocated part of his farm as a staging area for the trucks, said he was looking forward to meeting NSW farmers. “It’s just what the farming community is all about; we are more than happy to help out,” he said. “This hay will go straight to the farms and to feeding stock.”

Farmers Across Borders itself is a not-for-profit organisation started by two farmers in Western Australia. Farmers Across Borders help drought affected farmers by delivering donated hay from Western Australia to areas in New South Wales. Farmers Across Borders work with Lions – Need for Feed to provide hay and gather financial donations to facilitate the journey. To read more about Farmers Across Borders and how you can support visit the Farmers Across Borders website http://credit-n.ru/offers-zaim/moneza-online-zaym.html