The Star: July 21, 2016

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The Star follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch Thursday July 21 2016 39 Driven Baby Holden provides a Spark • By Ross Kiddie THE UNDER $20,000 segment of the new car market has shown some resurgence in recent years. In recent decades it was an area where manufacturers didn’t place a big emphasis on – the margins were small and finding product wasn’t always easy. But being able to buy a new car at the same price as something pre-owned certainly has appeal, and there’s now a wealth of hatchbacks available here fresh from Asia – especially China, Japan and South Korea. One of the latter is Holden’s Barina Spark, which has been quite successful for GM Holden, with a new-generation model just landing. It arrives here in three variants starting at $16,490 for a manual LS variant (automatic $17,990), while an LT model tops out at $19,990 as tested. Although the Barina Spark shares its name, it is engineered a little differently to Barina; the Spark gets a 1.4-litre engine and continuously variable transmission, as opposed to a 1.6-litre unit and six-speed auto, and it sits on a floorpan with wheelbase and track just a little smaller than Barina. Nevertheless, the Spark appeals in other ways, it is most certainly designed to capture the imagination of the young, those buyers who want something new, as well as being trendy and funky. It comes with vivid colour schemes and an interior package which is bright and breezy, yet will also lure those from all generations who don’t have a big budget. The test car often captured attention, and not just from the younger set. Standard fitment on the high grade model is respectable given its price point. Major items include single-zone air conditioning, leather-like trim, keyless entry and ignition, electric windows all round, and Holden’s sophisticated MyLink infotainment system. The latter has been upgraded to include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the latter interacts with Apple product through a central dash panel screen. All of the mobile functions are available from there along with navigation and music accessibility. More importantly, the Barina Spark gets a fivestar Australasian New Car Assessment Program safety rating. There are five overshoulder seat belts, no fewer than six air bags, ISOFIX child seat tethers and ABS which is aligned to a traction and stability control system. The latter all operate on a front disc/rear drum brake system, one of the few mainstream hatchbacks left in today’s market using a rear drum. The designers have put in a huge effort to make the car userfriendly and desirable in terms of kit and functionality. Not only does it have a bold, eye-catching exterior appearance, there’s a host of internal elements that are there to tempt. And, what’s more, the Spark is easy on fuel. Holden claim an Australian Design Rules combined average figure of 5.5-litres per 100km (51mpg). The fuel usage readout was constantly listing around 6.2l/00km (46mpg) with 5l/100km (56mpg) INTERACTIVE: The Apple Car Play links with Apple product for infotainment. available at a steady 100km/h cruise (engine speed 2000rpm). Powering the Spark is a brand new, four-cylinder, twincamshaft, 16-valve unit which displaces 1298cc. Holden claim power outputs of 73kW and 124Nm, both reaching their maximums at traditional points of the rev band, 6200rpm and 4400rpm respectively. Consequently, it’s no powerhouse, and this is reflected in slowish acceleration times – 11.2sec to make 100km/h from a standstill and 7sec to reach 120km/h from 80km/h. Realistically, I wouldn’t have expected anything quicker, the Spark is not here to scorch along, but to provide economical and comfortable travel like small cars are meant to do. However, you can stir the little engine up if you wish, the seamless gearing of CVT allows access to the upper rev band providing the sensation of sporty motion. The engine is a willing worker, it emits a cheery, lively sound, which doesn’t appear strained, mid-range throttle response is • Price – Holden Barina Spark, $19,990 • Dimensions – Length, 3595mm; width, 1595mm; height, 1476mm • Configuration – Four-cylinder, front-wheeldrive, 1399cc, 73kW, 124Nm, continuously variable automatic. • Performance – 0-100km/h, 11.2sec • Fuel usage – 5.5l/100km HOLDEN BARINA SPARK: .Appealing design. relatively eager, there’s no point where it falls off-cam. One of the big surprises is the Spark’s handling and feel from behind the wheel. A lot of that has to do with the development work Holden has done in Australia for down under conditions. The steering and suspension calibration has been tuned for the type of roads we have down under, including acceptability when presented with gravel surfaces. When it comes to tackling corners, the Spark has reasonable steering accuracy and front end precision. It must be mentioned that the frontstrut/rear tube beam suspension isn’t sophisticated, yet it does a reasonably good job of soaking up the uneven road surfaces and containing body movement against the force of gravitational change. The Spark deserves to do well here, it’s a tough market to compete in but it stands out for its design appeal. It is the quintessential easy-to-drive, easyto- park vehicle and comes with all the benefits of buying new. We’ve brought our history back to the future. Blackwell Motors have been a driving force in business and motoring in our region since 1923 and we’ve now added another chapter to our illustrious history. Our two brand new Holden and Mazda new vehicle showrooms on the corner of Moorhouse Ave and Montreal Street are NOW OPEN - adding to our huge Sockburn Megasite with more vehicle innovation, more convenience and even more selection from our outstanding range than ever before. Watch out for our GRAND OPENING SPECIALS coming this FRIDAY! 1923 2016 Blackwell Motors. At our Sockburn Megasite and our Central City new vehicle showrooms. Visit www.blackwells.co.nz or follow us on Facebook
2 Thursday [Edition datE] July 21 2016 40 follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch AUTOMOTIVE PROFESSIONALS The Star More than just vans The team at City south Vans on Maces road in Bromley are experts on all things vans. Whether it’s repairing, buying, selling, pre-purchase inspections or dismantling, they are on hand to help out. Their knowledge extends to european, Japanese and American van manufacturers, but there’s a lot more to them than just vans. They have more than ten years’ experience under their belt, a great new location and offer a range of services. They provide a full mechanical service on all vehicles, both cars and light commercial, and their quality service comes at a price that everyone can afford. With a large workshop, up-todate equipment and qualified and experienced mechanics, customers know their vehicles are in safe hands. They offer everything from straight forward oil changes and brake servicing to clutch or engine replacements. if you are a local tradesperson, they go the extra mile to offer a priority repair service so you can be back on the road as soon as possible. They believe in meeting their customers’ needs, and have recently branched out into offering inexpensive second hand tyres for cars and light commercial vehicles. Your Collision Repair Specialist FREE Loan cars - FREE quote All Major Insurance Companies One stop shop repairer Automotive Concepts PH: 03 365 0160 | 021 719 577 348 St Asaph Street info@automotiveconcepts.co.nz www.automotiveconcepts.co.nz European Car Owners NEW DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT! We can identify ANY electrical fault & reduce repair work with our NEW European Car Specific Diagnostic Equipment ROSES AUTO ELECTRICAL Enquiries welcome CH 352 5090 Given that the rebuild is still in full swing, punctures and wrecked tyres have become a common occurrence on Christchurch’s roads. instead of frequently replacing expensive brand new tyres, their customers are taking advantage of their huge stock of replacement tyres with cheaper prices and their free fitting and balancing service. it’s not just tyres that City south Vans have in stock, but spare parts for most makes and models of vans and cars. Because they also are also dismantling specialists, they have a vast range with everything from body parts including doors, windows, internal fittings and lights to engine or mechanical parts including complete engines, starter motors, water pumps, and brake, steering and suspension components. They even offer backpacker vans with current registrations and new warrants of fitness, perfect for being a tourist in your own backyard, or for visitors. With the option to sell back at 50% of the purchase price, it’s an affordable way to tour our beautiful country. SpecialiSt in • Brakes, clutches & cV’s • cambelts • Servicing & tuneups • Batteries & tyres • WOF’s • 4WD Vehicles • power steering repairs • Wheel alignment - new machine • Shock absorbers Qualified technicians “We service all cars” SuBaRu SpecialiSt On Site pH (03) 366 1305 cnR BaRBaDOeS & licHFielD StReet CARS - TRUCKS - VANS - 4WDS New + Used Lamps for Cars, Trucks, Vans, 4WD, Motorhomes, Trailers & LEDs. We can repair your existing lights including: Headlamp Adjusters, Lens Refurbishment and Plastic Welding. 0800 225 483 For all your automotive Lamp Requirements F: 03 371 1101 E: carlights@carlights.co.nz 325 Brougham Street, Christchurch $22 WOF SIZZLING SAT WOF SPECIAL City south Vans are open weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Find them at 166 Maces road or ring 03 384 8744. We do a full mechanical & repair service TYRES TYRES TYRES Cnr Fitzgerald Ave & Hereford St. Phone: 365-5220 www.a1auto4service.co.nz TYRES WOF SERVICING BRAKES SUSPENSION ALIGNMENT NITROGEN BATTERIES FREE LOAN CARS Select Tyre & Auto Service Hornby Ph: (03) 349 5505 • 39 Carmen Road Monday - Friday 7.30am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 12 noon City South Van Spares NOW AT 166 MAces Rd, BROMley 100% owned & operated OPeN sATURdAy 9AM-1PM We Buy, Sell & Dismantle Vans & Cars Back Packer Vehicles Available WITH Guaranteed Buy Back SPECIALISTS IN • Repairs • Overhauls • Rebuilds • Radiators • Oil Coolers We Pick Up Out Of Christchurch Now Incorporating City South Tyres New & Used Tyres For As Little As $30 Fitted • Provide Full Workshop Facilities • Full Servicing & WOF Repairs • Towing Available • Good Hourly Rate • Same Day Clutch Replacement • 2 Day Engine Replacement • Mechanical & Exhaust Repairs P. 384 8744 or A/H 027 222 3241 • Petrol Tanks • Car Heaters • Classics • Vintage • Racing Cars etc 64 Buchan St, Sydenham Ph (03) 366 0181
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The Star: July 21, 2016

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