The Star: July 09, 2020

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26 The Star Thursday July 9 2020 Mazda expands its SUV line-up MAZDA COULDN’T put it more simply, its new crossover sport utility vehicle – the CX-30 – is bigger than a CX-3 and smaller than a CX-5. I once wrote that the CX-3 was my favourite car in the whole Mazda line-up, but that feeling wasn’t shared by everyone, it took a lot of criticism for a lack of space in the rear seating compartment. My argument was that if you were mostly driving with one or two-up, then that became irrelevant. Whichever way you look at it, those who were captured by the CX-3’s dynamics everywhere else will find the CX-30 a fabulous driving vehicle, and it gets the benefit of extra space in the rear seats, along with increased load space. Of course, the CX-30 also shares the DNA of its other stablemates that span a wide crosssection of the SUV market, there’s a size for all families depending on how many travel in the vehicle on a daily basis. The CX-30 is also priced midway between CX-3 and CX-5, there are three variants – GSX, GTX and Limited – the range starts at $41,490 for a 2-litre model, the other two are 2.5-litre powered and list at $44,990 and $50,990 respectively. Factor in the 2.5-litre variants are four-wheel-drive, the 2-litre engine drives out the front wheels only. I’m scheduled into all three variants, and I’m really looking forward to the two remaining drives – the CX-30 is a smart piece of kit, and if you have read any of my recent Mazda evaluations you’ll notice that a pattern has developed, I’m constantly saying the product that is coming out of the Mazda factories is high on quality and desire. My first drive was the mid-spec model, and even though it doesn’t get all the bells and whistles it will still satisfy, I particularly like it for its cloth trim, I don’t need leather. It took me many years to fully relate to the traditional sport utility vehicle, and now I can certainly see their appeal through functionality and practicality, and you can’t help but being impressed with the way the CX-30 drives and handles, it has form and function built into every aspect. Under the bonnet sits the fourcylinder 2488cc engine, there are no surprises here, it is an engine that has been utilised by Mazda for several years in this form. It’s part of a SkyActive range that has been constantly upgraded and engineered for maximum efficiency both in terms of power outputs and fuel efficiency. It is rated with 139kW and 252Nm, both outputs realised at traditional points in the rev band – 6000 and 4000rpm respectively. TRENDY: The Mazda CX-30 offers traditional sport utility vehicle capacity. CX-30: Comprehensive series that fits seamlessly into Mazda’s range of SUVs. The engine is coupled to a sixspeed automatic transmission, also very traditional. But the reality of this is that over time and development the two main engineering pieces work perfectly together, the electronic mapping between the two is fluid and, of course, very smooth. This engine works well in the CX-30, of course it feels more responsive than what it does in the CX-5 because of the weight difference between the two models, the CX-30 feels feisty and vibrant, responding willingly to throttle application and is always hooked into the right gearing. The norm these days is to incorporate driver-selectable engine management modes and the CX-30 is no exception, although there is just a choice of two, the default mode being a normal setting which I use almost always. There is also a sport mode which is selfexplanatory, it is there for when overtaking opportunities present themselves and it is also useful for that long hill climb through to Akaroa, it keeps the engine working in the point of strength and maximum delivery. Mazda claim fuel usage figures of 6.8-litres per 100km for the 2.5 engine on a combined cycle average. I tried reaching that figure • Price – Mazda CX-30 GTX, $44,990 • Dimensions – Length, 4395mm; width, 1795mm; height, 1540mm • Configuration – Fourcylinder, four-wheel-drive, 2488cc, 139kW, 252Nm, six-speed automatic • Performance – 0-100km/h, 9.3sec • Fuel usage – 6.8l/100km as a target but couldn’t quite get there. When I took the evaluation vehicle back to the dealership it was listing at around 7.4l/100km, which was promisingly close. At 100km/h on the highway the engine is quite relaxed working away at 1900rpm, at that speed it sips fuel instantaneously at the rate of 6l/100km. That translates to economical motoring if you are on that long road trip. As you would expect from a company that has long had a history of sports car development, the CX-30 also handles with a feel that is most unlike a tall sport utility vehicle. Sure, at 1.54m there is a bit of body movement, even with moderate spring and damper firming there is going to be some gravitational transition, but it is well arrested and occupants aren’t lurched through directional changes. I took the evaluation on a burst up and down the twists and turns of the Waimakariri River gorge road and it felt delightful with solid turn-in and suspension freedom, he latter garnered through the fourwheel fully independent system. Obviously it needs that design to get drive to the rear wheels, but the point I’m making is that the suspension is quality through and through and is the perfect compromise between comfort and handling ability. It must also be pointed out that four-wheel-drive also has on-seal grip and handling benefits, the CX-30 feels well attached to the road surface and that is a key safety ingredient. It works alongside the suite of safety features that Mazda has long developed in all of its product range. The CX-30 is far more than a stretched CX-3, it draws on all the fundamentals sport utility vehicles require, and packages them in a comprehensive range. As much as I’m looking forward to getting into the other variants, I’m also a huge believer in the CX-3. The choice as a buyer must be very complicated, but it’s great to know that Mazda has all bases covered. From family cars to work trucks and supercars to fixer-uppers. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it all with Drivesouth. Your next set of keys are just one click away - visit drivesouth.co.nz
Get the TLC experience. SALE PENDING STROWAN: 1/164 Blighs Road Super investment Ref tlcrealty.co.nz/tlc10026 OPEN HOME LITTLE RIVER – AUCTION 4511 Christchurch Akaroa Road Home & income opportunity Ref tlcrealty.co.nz/tlc10028 View now: https://youtu.be/_FQYlZn6nzk OPEN SUNDAY 2-2.30pm WOODEND - BY APPOINTMENT 43 Petries Road Exceptional 10 Acre Opportunity! Ref: tlcrealty.co.nz/tlc10032 A SNEAK PEEK No viewings yet AVONDALE - Neg over $379,000 2 4 the price of 1: 3 bdrm super tidy home includes a ‘little house’ MAIREHAU - Viewings in August Modern 3 bdrm townhouse Promote your Showhome throughout Christchurch to over 93,000 homes tlc realty limited We will pay for your marketing up to $500! No upfront payment required. MAKING YOUR MOVE EASIER Licensed Agent REAA 2008 *T&C’s apply To advertise contact Mike Phone 03 379 7100 mike@starmedia.kiwi Home & Property EvEry Thursday RENT ME! Ideal as an extra bedroom or office. no bond required Fully insulated and double glazed for warmth. Three convenient sizes from $70 a week: Standard 3.6m x 2.4m Large 4.2m x 2.4m | Xtra-large 4.8m x 2.4m Visit our website www.justcabins.co.nz for display cabin locations www.justcabins.co.nz CHECKLIST FOR SELLING YOUR HOME MAKE SMALL FIXES Inspect your home with a buyer’s eyes, and correct the flaws that are most egregious (if affordable) or can be relatively easily fixed—from repairing cracks in the walkways to repainting dingy walls or oiling creaky hinges. SET A PRICE A real estate agent will give you a market analysis free of charge or commitment. Ask a few to get a broader picture of the market, then ask to see listings for properties similar to yours that have sold in the past six months. Check out comparable listings yourself in the real estate section of your newspaper or on websites. Then decide whether you want a quick, easy sale or the highest possible price. CLEAN & DECLUTTER Weed out excess furniture, knicknacks, and “stuff”—toss it, donate it, give it away, sell it at a yard sale, or put it into storage— so the house seems more spacious and buyers can imagine themselves in it. Making the most of show home viewing Looking through show homes is a great way to get ideas for features and fittings to put into a new home. It can also be helpful for getting a spatial feel for other aspects of a house design. Before heading out for a day’s viewing, conduct an internet search. Identify the locations of show home villages and the types and sizes of the various building company’s homes on display, noting down the square metre size of each home. If wanting a high end, architectural design, focus on the larger homes that have desirable design features. If at the entry or middle level of the market, earmark homes that fit this taking in other show homes for extra ideas. Allow sufficient time when visiting each show home, asking for a floor plan that has room sizes before walking through. Check also the floor to ceiling height of the rooms and consider how this feels and whether you prefer a cosier feel with the standard ceiling eight of 2.4 metres or more spaciousness created with a higher stud or exposed ceiling beams. If doors and windows are taller than normal, weigh their effect in creating a more luxurious and spacious feel, against potential inconvenience for small children, cleaning and maintenance. On entering each room, take account of how much furniture is in each room and whether there is sufficient space for the furniture you will have in the room and the size needed in a walk-in robe. Look too, at storage capacity throughout the home and whether this is adequate. In the living areas, consider whether a lounge separated from the family living room or a true open plan kitchen, dining, living/lounge area is preferable, and STAY VIGILIANT ABOUT MAINTENANCE From the moment you start showing your house, keep the lawn mowed, shrubs trimmed, gardens weeded, rooms spotless and clutter-free. READY YOUR HOME FOR OPEN DAYS Hide pocketable valuables, display fresh flowers or bowls of fruit, bake a batch of cookies for the homey smell, open the drapes, keep pets out of sight. DECIDE WHETHER TO DO YOUR OWN BUILDING INSPECTION It may save you time, especially with older homes, to identify—and potentially solve— problems your buyer’s inspection will discover later. compare internal kitchens with those that have natural light. Look too at the layout of the kitchen: whether to have an island sink or breakfast bar where a newspaper can be read, and children can sit and draw or complete homework; the positioning of appliances; and how important having a pantry is. For the little rooms, equate space and features desired with that needed, especially if the budget needs to be sharp. It might be nice to have a large walk-in shower with double shower heads but is this just fanciful and will the extra cleaning annoy you long term. A laundry in the garage is also more economical though a separate laundry may be handier. Bring the garage size into the equation also. As these vary considerably, assess the actual measurements of each garage viewed comparing this with the space needed for your motor vehicles and other items to be stored there. If a good number of toys will be housed there, it may be sensible to increase the size of this area of the home. By imagining what you need, want and will have in your new home, you will be in a better position to confidently choose a design that works for you. Thursday July 9 2020 The Star 27 Your Earthquake damaged home! Talk to us if you are serious about selling your “As is Where is” home. We have sold over 150 “As is Where is” homes and we have a huge database of qualified buyers. Phil & Holly Jones Ph 03-382-2230 Phil 027 435 7711 Holly 027 222 0220 holly.jones@raywhite.com Licensed (REAA 2008) Results Realty Ltd We have achieved record breaking prices recently! Home & Business Security • Cameras • Gates & Fencing Access Control • Alarm Monitoring • Home Automation Alarms Electrical Cameras Intercoms Auto Gates Residential and Business Security Tailor Made Security Solutions All Your Electrical Needs Custom Designed Automatic Gates Innovative Intercom Systems Pet Friendly Sensors Security Cameras Access Control Systems Electric Fencing Service and Maintenance 24/7 Fault Service Locally owned and operated All faults attended that same day FREE QUOTES P: (03) 384 0995 24/7 E: info@actionsecurity.co.nz www.actionsecurity.co.nz A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PROPERTY OWNERS Believe it or not the way things are looking now may be the best time you will see to sell. The future is very unknown but may prove that todays conditions are exceptional. There is an amazing number of buyers especially up to $600,000. Please ring me if you are thinking of selling. I will get your best sale for a low cost. OYDS REAL ESTATE Phone: 027 228 7002 LREA 2008. The agent with 50+ years experience whose commission is half most firms. Appears every week in For more information: Mike Fulham P 379 7100 E mike@starmedia.kiwi
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The Star: July 09, 2020

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