Ashburton Courier: May 21, 2020

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Page 12, Ashburton's The Courier, Thursday May 21, 2020 Local news at www.starnews.co.nz Eclipse Cross aquiet drive with space By Bob Nettleton Launched here in 2017, the Eclipse Cross provided some much needed flair and excitement to the ageing Mitsubishi SUV range, but hasn’t been the high sales achiever many expected. Bookended in the Mitsubishi SUV range by acouple of veterans in the 11yearold ASX and Outlander that dates back to 2018, the Eclipse is very much the newbie, and amore modern and refined vehicle than its two sidekicks. However, it faces a couple of major barriers in its search for sales success. One is its aggressively priced older sibling the ASX that continues to defy the QualityEuropean Vehicle Servicing •Advanced Diagnostics •Experienced Technicians •Collection/Delivery ‘Free of Charge’ in Ashburton Bruce McIlroy Limited 309MethvenHighway, Ashburton 7776 Tel: 03 3087282•E:bruce.mcilroy@xtra.co.nz MTAAPPROVED march of time and the market pundits, by selling in big numbers. It still offers great value for money and Mitsubishi have done agood job of keeping this model fresh and modern. Another challenge for the Eclipse is that it’s more expensive that many of its rivals. For instance the entry level XLS 2WD cost about $5k more than one of its closest competitors, the AWD Subaru XV for $36,500. The Eclipse has the advantage of styling that’s very much in the leader not follower camp. This is avehicle that will resonate with buyers seeking an SUV that looks daringly different. It makes astrong and immediate visual impression courtesy of Call us for a FREE QUOTE 2278706 Mitsubishi’s Advanced Dynamic Shield frontal treatment, while asports spoiler, 18” alloy wheels, tasteful chrome accents and privacy glass all play their part. The first step on the Eclipse Cross model ladder isn’t cheap with the $41,690 XLS 2WD and extra $2k for the 4WD. The latter was the version provided for this road test and looks to offer the best value for money. At the time of writing it was an absolute steal with special pricing of $34,990. If you prefer a vehicle with all the luxury trappings, you will be instantly drawn to the VRX costing $45,590 in 2WD form with a$2k premium for the AWD variant. All models are powered with reasonable gusto by a112kw 1.5Litre Direct Injection Turbo engine. This is asolid rather than spectacular performer with ample thrust provided by a healthy 254Nm of torque. Small yet highly energized turbo petrol’s such as this one are occupying more engine bays than ever in the compact urban SUV class. They show less is 2272453 definitely more, producing similar power outputs to some 2.0 litre naturally aspirated motors, eclipsing them in the case of this model, for fuel economy and refinement. What really impresses with this new Mitsubishi engine is its smooth linear power delivery and low noise levels even when pressed hard. There are some irritations, such as the occasional flat spot under full throttle from standing starts, and a tailing off in the engine beyond the 5000rpm mark. The motor has an ideal gearchanging buddy in the form of an 8speed CVT (Constant Variable Transmission) system with Sports Mode, and Step Shift Control for more direct acceleration. By compact urban SUV standards, passenger space is better than most, but it could have been acontender for best in class atad more rear headroom. There’s plenty to like about the modern look and feel of the cabin. The centre console blends almost seamlessly with the dash, while the controls and instruments are all within easy reach or view of the driver. Mitsubishi’s revised Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA) interface is neatly integrated with the new Touchpad Commander function. Unique to the Eclipse Cross, it makes it ever so easy to operate the SDA via an easytouse touchpad. Iwould like to say the elevated driving position provided great allround visibility. Generally it does, except the rear vista is poor because of asplit rear glass tail gate that gives aless than panoramic view of following traffic, especially in poor weather conditions. The Eclipse doesn’t live in the shadow of its competitors when it comes to safety. It’s equipped with some of the best safety technology available in its price range. Afew highlights from an extensive list of standard safety equipment, is Forward Collision Mitigation with windscreenmounted laser and camera, Lane Departure Warning and Auto High Beam. This system automatically dips the lights for the driver when oncoming traffic is approaching, releasing them from having to manually dip them, one of the most tedious of night driving tasks. The AWD system fitted to the test vehicle has the flexibility of three modes: Normal which delivers the added security of 4WD traction in every day driving, Snow for greater stability on slippery roads, while Gravel mode gives additional traction for offroading. Exactly how far you can wander away from sealed roads, is dictated by vehicles modest ground clearance not its proven AWD system. Fully independent suspension is capable enough, but there is more body lean than Iexpected during brisker driving over undulating terrain. AWD delivers that extra bit of grip when its needed compared to the 2WD version. Yet another reason to pay the modest $2k premium for AWD, because you never know when you will need it with our changeable roads and weather. An area where there is scope for further improvement is the steering. This feels to light and lacking in road feel, to deliver atop shelf driving experience to give the Eclipse agenuine point of difference over its competitors. Abit of a missed opportunity that could have helped put this model on the compact urban SUV map in this country. Rating out of 10: Performance 6, Handling 6, Build Quality 7, Comfort 7, Space 6, Fuel Economy; Rightcar website rating 7.2L/100km, on road test average consumption 8.1L/100km, Value for money 6 and Safety, 5 Star ANCAP crash rating Overall points out of 10: 6.5 Restoration Rust repairs Insurance claims -Your vehicle your choice Deal directly with the owner, Bill Johnson Panel beating and painting on all vehicles, including horse floats, caravans and small boats 2278411 16 -18Cass Street, Ashburton l E: johnsons.panelpaint@gmail.com
Local news at www.starnews.co.nz Ashburton's The Courier, Thursday May 21, 2020, Page 13 Crossover Subaru XV sits tall By Ross Kiddie There’s no doubt sales in the new car market will sufferthis year as the effects of the Covid19 pandemic, the lockdown, and the associated financialramifications hit home. We will certainlysee some restructuring by the big distributors and those that are niche market operatorswill be working with slim margins. One company I’m not worried aboutisSubaru NZ. Its operation is lean and mean, and those who work within the brand are smart operators. Plus, it has awellproven product lineupthat is fresh throughout, and all modelsutilise the symmetrical fourwheeldrive system which is effectively Subaru’s trademark. One of the models Iparticularly have an affinity with is the XV, a car whichIencouraged one of my work colleagues to buy ayear or two back. The XV isn’t big but it is big on styleand performance.Itlandsat $36,490 in base model (Sport) form,anextra $5k will get you into the topgradePremium whichgets all the cool stuff such as keyless entryand ignition, leather trim, heated seats,Apple Car Play and Android Auto,sat nav and sunroof. I’d far prefer the entrylevel model, it stacks up as the most desirable,itisjust as competent as the Premium and it doesn’t miss out on much,iteven gets Subaru’s clever Eyesight computerguided safety technologywhich contributes to an easy Australasian New Car Assessment Program fivestar safetyrating. The XV is described by Subaru as acrossover vehicle. It’snot your traditionalsportutilityvehicle, but more of astation wagon on steroids, simply because it is Impreza hatchbackbased. It has definite crosscountry potential thankstoground clearance thatisraised to 220mm; that being the case, it challenges the orthodoxSUV, and with technology such as Xmode traction systemitisadefiniteoffroad vehicle. Xmode is acomplex array of management programs which enhancecontroland stability on loosesurfaces, it alsoworks in conjunction with hilldescent control. The entire fourwheeldrive system is there to provide grip in the trickiest of situations. That is the essence of the symmetrical drive system in the first instance, griponall surfaces is enhanced, and even in dry conditions you can feel the benefit of power to all corners. The Imprezaasaseries has confident dry road handling manners, the XV can be pushed hardinto acorner and it will respond with much composure. Even thoughitsits tall(1.6m) to providethe ground clearanceI mentioned earlier, alow centreof gravity and clever suspension engineering clamps down on body movement, the XV’s handling is quite unrealistic, it’s no exaggeration to say it is athletic and nimble. Under the bonnetsits a horizontallyopposed engine of 1995cc, it drivesthrough asmooth continuouslyvariableautomatic transmission that has asevenstep, paddleshift function. The engineis aquadcamshaft unit, and even though it has been Subaru’s goto design for many yearsitisvery much stateoftheart thanks to continual refinement. The engineisrated with115kW of power (6000rpm), and 196Nm of torque available at 4000rpm.The way the engine works through CVT is uninhibited, and it is dynamic in the respect that it pullshappilyno matter what point the engine revolutions are operatingat. Response to throttle request is decisive, the power comes in freely withoutstrain nor much soundin total. If you listen hard you can detect the harmonicswhich accompany the boxer engine design,but it is well isolatedand far from intrusive. The engineisfreerevvingand responsive, but the beauty of the flatfour engineisits ability to work low down, and with the inclusionof CVT it quickly settles into alow revving pattern. Against the stopwatch the XV will launch to 100km/h from a standstill in 9.6sec, and will make 120km/h from80km/hin5.8sec. Theseare satisfactory figureswhich will give peace of mind, especially for ahighway overtake. Subaru claims asevenlitreper 100kmcombined cycle fuel usage average; development work on the boxerenginetokeep it fuelfriendlyhas beenongoing,and that certainly showed during my testing time. At 100km/hitsips fuelatthe rate of just5l/100km with the engine turning overslowly at just1550rpm. When Itook the test car backtothe dealership the averagewas showing 7.7l/100km, which Ithought was most impressive. For 2020,the XV certainly hasn’t lost any of its Xfactor,itisa stunning looker with chunky, bold and almost aggressive styling. It has an inyourface wheel designwhich promotes acando look,and it has awilful drivingfeel. One would hope that by the time the winterski season is in fullforce, New Zealandwill have beaten coronavirus. The XV is the perfect car for the skifield access road, Subaru as an entire brand is well representedinthe alpine car parks. The XV is also the functional, practical wagon for the everyday environment –one of the reasons it was chosenbymyfriend and that person is still delighted withthe purchase. Price–SubaruXVPremium, $41,490 Dimensions–Length, 4465mm; width, 1800mm; height,1615mm Configuration –Fourcylinder, fourwheeldrive, 1995cc, 115kW, 196Nm,continuously variable automatic Performance–0100km/h, 9.6sec Fuel usage–7l/100km PHOTOGRAPHS FOR SALE Have youhad your photo taken by our reporters? Order aPhotoToday! ¼Page* $6 *approx 6x4 A5 $8.50 A4 $16 Ph: 308 7664 199 Burnett St,Ashburton 2278773 :: ROBBIE :: KYLE :: WILLIAM Your safety is our concern! Don’t wait for your WOF to expire ifyou think there issomething wrong with your car! •WOF •Servicing •Tyres •Suspension •Steering •Brakes • Exhaust specialists •Batteries •Mechanical repairs Cnr Cass and South Streets, Ashburton P 03 308 9984 F 03 308 9910 M 0274 999 565 E undercars@robbies.co.nz OPEN SATURDAYS FOR WOF, 8.00am to 12 noon 2272888 CANTERBURYVEHICLE COMPLIANCE Everything to do with vehicle inspections, we candoitfor you! • WOF •COF •Registrations • Removalofpink &green stickers • Complianceinspections forimported vehicles,lapsed registrations and motorcycles ... and alot more! From motorcycles,light and heavy vehicles, to agriculturemachinery, forklifts and other heavy vehicles. Your FULLYINDEPENDENT inspecting organisation. VISIT US NOW! 106 South Street,Ashburton Telephone: 03 308 2275 Email: admin@vehiclecompliance.co.nz OPENING HOURS: Monday–Friday8am to 5pm Saturday–8:30amto12pm www.vehiclecompliance.co.nz 2278027
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Ashburton Courier: May 21, 2020

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