Southern View: September 26, 2017

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42 26 Tuesday [Edition datE] September 26 2017 Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi SOUTHERN WESTERN NEWS VIEW the trickle-doWn effect By ROSS KIDDIE I’m a big motorsport fan, Formula One in particular. Even though Ferrari as a team is giving Mercedes-Benz a run for its money this season, the latter has dominated the sport in recent years. Ultimately, that success trickles down to sales from the showroom floor. That is certainly showing here in New Zealand. Mercedes-Benz is dominating the luxury car market and I don’t see that changing any time soon, simply because the raft of models and variants within each model range means there is a vehicle for all tastes and budgets. There is also a large proliferation of sporty models and the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz – AMG – has kept up the pace with high output models sitting in tandem within the line-up. I’m not sure how inspired AMG is from Formula One, but you can rest assured that some technology from the sport flows down to street vehicles. The latest AMG model to come my way was the C63S cabriolet, which has a twin-turbocharged 4-litre V8 engine delivering monster power outputs of 375kW and 700Nm of torque. Even though these figures are highly impressive, the cabriolet can easily be driven sedately. It is at home at city speeds in a similar fashion to its four and six-cylinder counterparts. There are driver-selectable engine management protocols that can be set to many varying requirements. I even preferred the standard mode, which like all big V8 engines, means a relaxed, unstressed operating manner. However, when sport mode is selected, there is a constant solid surge of power that seems endless in its delivery. Acceleration is vivid – a standstill to 100km/h time of 4.2sec is wickedly fast, along with a 3.2sec overtaking time (80km/h to 120km/h). What I enjoyed most about the C63S’ performance is the sound that accompanies its delivery. It is loud and there’s even a button that enhances more noise; a backfire on gearshift and throttle blip on downshift is infectious to listen to. On that subject, drive is channelled to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. It is a direct shift-type and how it harnesses so much power and torque yet arranges the gears so smoothly amazes me. There are steering-wheel-mounted paddles for the enthusiastic driver, and management protocols, which quickly identify throttle percentage. The C63S cabriolet sits on huge rubber with wheels an inch smaller in diameter up front than those on the rear. The sport specification Michelin Pilot tyres (255/35 x 19in and 285/30 x 20in) have huge grip, yet they are constantly tested when the power goes on. Thankfully, the traction control system is as good as any I’ve experienced before; there’s just a little bit of freedom within the system so that the driver Price – Mercedes-Benz C63S cabriolet, $189,900 Dimensions – Length, 4686mm; width, 1810mm; height, 1409mm Configuration – V8, rear-wheel-drive, 3982cc, 375kW, 700Nm, seven-speed automatic Performance – 0-100km/h, 4.2sec Fuel usage – 9.4l/100km can experience the feel of grip loss at the rear under hard acceleration, but the squirm and oversteer is moderated without sudden intervention. One of the benefits of quality tyres is the feel through the steering, the C63S cabriolet has accurate turn-in along with strong feel – you can point and clip apexes delightfully. It must be said, though, the C-Class in this form is so competent it makes driving easy, the suspension is informative and that creates an involving driving experience. It is also rigid within the body structure. Like most premium manufacturers, Mercedes- Benz and AMG haven’t lost sight of the need to look after the environment, and even though the engine has big cylinders to feed, the fuel usage statistics are still realistic. Mercedes-Benz claims a 9.4-litre per 100km (30mpg) combined cycle average. At 100km/h I recorded an 8l/100km (35mpg) instantaneous readout along with a 11.2l/100km (27mpg) average over five days. However, a buyer who chooses C63S specification in any vehicle will understand that the quad-camshaft V8 likes to be released and fuel economy wouldn’t be a priority. At $189,000 the C-Class cab in this form comes at a premium price but it is chock full of goodies and, as you would expect from Mercedes-Benz, it wants for nothing. I’ve been quite spoilt recently with a lot of German product filtering through the press fleet – as well as soft and hard-tops from other brands – serving to prove the convertible market is showing no sign of dwindling. I’ve long said Christchurch doesn’t have the best weather for open-air motoring and I stick to that statement; that being the case, the coupe would be the car for me, but for anyone who gets to experience that amazing engine, there’s a chance they will be simply over-awed. award winning techician SPeciaLiSt dodge | chrYSLer | jeeP Workshop specialises in us & european marques Owner/operator of Complete Auto Repair Services, or C.A.R.S., Aidan Don, provides expert servicing and mechanical repairs to all types of vehicles – though specialising in Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. Aidan services and repairs all generations of these iconic marques – from old to new, as well as most European brands. He also provides fleet servicing for all brands as well as light trucks, and WOFs for all makes and models. A fully qualified mechanic, Aidan has been in business for seven years, and at his Anchorage Road location for the last three years. His modern workshop is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment enabling him to identify problems quickly and accurately. While he admits he may not be the cheapest mechanic around, he promises highquality workmanship, value for money and a straightforward approach. If a job requires a particular specialist, he suggests to the customer where they should take their vehicle. As he explains, he doesn’t want to waste people’s time and tries to advise them as best as possible. When vehicles come in for a WOF, Aidan doesn’t carry out repairs or replace parts if they are not required immediately, but advises the customer that the work will need to be done at a later date. “I believe that if you are honest with people they will be honest with you,” he says. C.A.R.S. customers come from right across the Christchurch and Canterbury area. “They come to me because of the specialist aspect of my work,” Aidan says. C.A.R.S. is located at Unit 3, 15 Anchorage Road, Hornby. To enquire about repairs or servicing, phone 344 5565. avoid breakdownS with reguLar Servicing • Full servicing • WOFS • MTA assured • No job too big or too small • Honest, friendly, reliable and Personalised Service • Competitive prices Phone: 03 344 5565 3/15 Anchorage Rd, Hornby aidan.cars@gmail.com
SOUTHERN WESTERN NEWS VIEW Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Tuesday September [Edition 26 datE] 2017 43 27 honest perFormance - affordable price Price – Mazda2 Ltd, $29,695 Dimensions – Length, 4060mm; width, 1695mm; height, 1495mm Configuration – Four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive, 1496cc, 81kW, 141Nm, sixspeed automatic. Performance – 0-100km/h, 9.5sec Fuel usage – 4.9l/100km By ROSS KIDDIE I’m on one of my favourite high country roads. The stretch includes short straights mixed with a combination of tight and open corners. The car is responding delightfully to the way it is being steered and I’m being entertained by its handling and balance. I’m thinking that this could be the best evaluation drive I’ve had for 2017. No, I’m not driving a sports car or anything exotic. In fact, I’m in one of New Zealand’s budget models – a Mazda2 to be exact. The reason why I’m so smitten is not because the Mazda2 is fast or exciting, its performance is honest and it works hard to please through the chassis, but because the series is priced for affordability and in terms of all-round value for money it’s a real attention-grabber. Not only does it drive purposefully at all speeds, you also get a lot of kit on Mazda2, and for a car that lists under $30k, it is a rather special purchase. The test car was in Limited specification and it sits at $29,695; an entry-level GLX variant comes in at $21,945 while a GSX comes in at $24,945. I’m picking the GSX would be the car for me but the Limited variant does get a lot of kit, features which are included elsewhere in the Mazda line-up. Such are the changes for 2017, the Mazda2 could certainly be described as having a facelift. There aren’t a lot of cosmetic enhancements, but there are new side mirrors, grille and wheel changes. The Automotive Lamp Specialists On the inside the dash panel graphics have been enhanced for clarity, there’s a new centre console display, while trim materials have been upgraded. More importantly, there have been chassis changes to promote the driving experience and that’s what I noticed during the time I tackled the exit from the Waimakariri River gorge. The most significant development is the addition of G-Vectoring Control, which improves handling and stability especially during emergency avoidance manoeuvres. In Limited specification that also combines with a suite of other collision avoidance technologies such as smart city brake support and driver attention alert. Together, these functions provide the Mazda2 driver with confidence at all speeds. You don’t need to be moving along at pace; in everyday situations the newcomer feels in control of itself and has a decisive feel from behind the wheel, which will lure drivers of all ages. That is the reason why I like the car’s balance so much. It just feels right from behind the wheel and you feel so much part of the car. That’s an aspect Mazda is building into all of its range, and along with the superb feel of quality that accompanies it, it’s no surprise that the new Mazda2 appeals,as does the company’s enture line-up in general. I’ve driven several from the manufacturer recently, and it’s fair to say the company has upped the ante in terms of desirability. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, which drives out of a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. I mention that because Mazda hasn’t developed its turbocharging techniques any further and I guess it doesn’t AWAITING COPY Ad Number: AP25705 Artwork: AP25705 Size: 18x4 Description: SUPER LIQUOR HORNBY Account: changing face of the west Colour: F Filename: HORNBY AP25705 Super Range of Beer, Spirits, International and Local Wines need to. It claims 81kW and 141Nm from the engine, and with a 4.9l/100km (57mpg) combined cycle fuel usage claim the figures are healthy. There is also a sport mode the driver can activate for busier engine behaviour, and if you couple that to a manual sequential gearshift function, the sporty feel of Mazda2 will come into its own. I left the evaluation car mostly in normal mode and enjoyed the interaction between engine and gearbox. It is a traditional way of driving and for that reason I warmed to it, changes are crisp and smooth and the engine stays on song. Even though the area of maximum torque is high at 4000rpm, the Mazda2 is light and it doesn’t take a lot of energy to move it quickly (0- 100km/h in 9.5sec) – the engine is unstrained and responsive. The Limited rides on 185/60 x 16in Dunlop tyres, and even though their footprint isn’t wide they have a solid tenure with the road surface and provide the driver with strong feedback as to how they are reacting under pressure. The Mazda2 has reasonable freedom of movement within the suspension, the spring and damper rates favour the uneven surface of Christchurch’s roads, while occupant comfort has been an engineering priority. Christchurch is a tough market for Mazda2. There’s some fairly hefty competition here from Suzuki and its clever marketing campaign. However, Mazda also has a free servicing programme, which is most tempting – three years or 100,000km. All factors considered, the Mazda2 is a compelling buying proposition. lion brown 18pk 330ml $ 19 99 New and Used Lamps for Cars, Trucks, Vans, 4WD and Motorhomes PH 0800 225 483 | 325 Brougham Street, CHRISTCHURCH gordon’s london dry gin 1litre bushmills irish whisky 1litre maverick bourbon and cola 18 x 250ml, 7% $ 44 99 billy $ 29 99 YOUR ONE STOP SHOP! TYRES NEW & USEd WoF FLAGS TYRES bOOk IN NOW FULL MECHANICAL SERVICES WHEEL ALIGNMENTS SPECIALISTS$49 Wigram - 341 1226 104 Hayton Rd Woolston - 384 0000 49 Garlands Road $ 35 99 waikato draught 24pk $ 34 99 lion red, speights & summit 24pk $ 34 99 lion red, speights or waikato swappa crate $ 36 99 each Super Liquor Hornby - 8 Tower Street, Hornby Phone 344 2044 Offers valid from Monday 25th September to Sunday 8th October or while stocks last. hot deal!
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Southern View: September 26, 2017

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