The Star: August 20, 2020

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34 The Star Thursday August 20 2020 Subaru joins hybrid bandwagon IT WAS ONLY a matter of time before the brand Subaru joined the hybrid revolution, I always figured that would happen. What I don’t know is how much of the technology that is fitted to the e-Boxer range of engines was developed by the Subaru Corporation and if any was supported by the Toyota Motor Co. I say that because Subaru and Toyota had joint collaboration on the two-door sports car – the BRZ and 86 – which resulted in a very successful partnership, and product. I guess it’s not overly important where the technology came from, but the exciting thing is Subaru now has a hybrid, well, two in fact, the XV and Forester. This evaluation surrounds the XV, an Impreza-based sport utility vehicle that is just a little smaller than the Forester but taller than the Impreza, and with higher ground clearance (220mm). The XV is funky, trendy, edgy in design, and commands a lot of sales in New Zealand. I particularly like the XV, and I’m excited there is a hybrid option. The driveline is traditional hybrid and traditional Subaru. First and foremost, the 2-litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine sits up front, it is coupled to an CAR REMOVALS $$CASH PAID$$ CARS, VANS, UTES & 4X4 WANTED NZ OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 24 YEARS We use world class vehicle depollution systems PRACTICAL: The Subaru XV has generous load space underneath the tailgate. That area isn’t compromised by the hybrid system. SUBARU XV HYBRID: Boxer engine and hybrid system combine with four-wheel-drive. electric motor which assists drive. Power for the motor is supplied by a lithium-ion battery which, in turn, is recharged through energy from vehicle movement such as deceleration and braking. The system also captures wasted brake energy as you drive and redirects that kinetic energy to recharge. In certain conditions such as when gently pulling away or driving at low speeds, the electric motor alone drives the XV, that is at slow speed and for short distances. When cruising, the petrol engine alone operates, it also powers the generator which recharges the battery. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system isn’t compromised by the addition of hybrid technology. The XV (and Forester) are true off-road champions, and you can relax knowing that all of the traditional XV features are incorporated within the driveline such as the X-Mode off-road driver assistance package which enhances grip on all manner of slippery surfaces. The XV hybrid also feels a lot more energetic, the driveline is feisty and responsive. Take into account that there is 110kW and 196Nm from petrol power alone, and if you add in an extra 12.3kW from the motor then there will always be a significant feel of acceleration and performance. Drive is no different either, power is channelled through a continuously variable automatic gearbox, transition of drive is smooth and seamless. Paddle shifters will allow you to lock the gearing into any one of seven pre-set steps. In terms of figures, the XV hybrid will scamper to 100km/h in 10.2sec and will complete a highway overtake (80-120km/h) in 6.1sec. More importantly, if you were a hybrid buyer you would want it to give you good fuel usage returns. Well, Subaru has really upped the ante in this area right across its range, and the XV hybrid is rated with a 6.5-litre per 100km combined cycle average. That compares to 7l/100km for the standard model. While the difference isn’t huge, it all adds up over a period of time. During my time with the test car I almost matched those figures given I drove it with consideration to the hybrid concept. I was gentle on the throttle and did all that I could to match Subaru’s claims. When I took the test car back to the dealership it was recording a 7.8l/100km average, which I was fairly pleased with. At 100km/h the engine is spinning over at a gentle 1500rpm, the instantaneous fuel usage figure • Price – Subaru XV, $42,490 • Dimensions – Length, 4465mm; width, 1800mm; height, 1595mm • Configuration – Fourcylinder, four-wheel-drive, 1995cc, 110kW, 196Nm, seven-step automatic. • Performance – 0-100km/h, 10.2sec • Fuel usage – 6.5l/100km registering just 4.2l/100km. The XV hybrid also loses none of its driving appeal. It is a fullyinvolving car which makes you feel good as a driver. That’s to do with the four-corner drive system, grip is high and attachment to the road is constantly delivered to the driver. The suspension is a fully independent four-strut system. The spring and damper rates are also fully compliant, and as well as the XV can perform off-road it still delivers interior comfort to all occupants. The suspension is absorbent and seat structure is supportive and containing. I took the test car on a high country loop that takes in a multitude of challenging corners. Steerage is sharp thanks to the quality of the Yokohama tyres (225/60 x 17in), and body balance amazingly well controlled given that at 1.6m tall the XV could be excused for working with the force of gravity, but that’s not the case. The XV hybrid is also well appointed in terms of specification. Major features include keyless entry and ignition, the camera-based Eyesight crash avoidance system, connectivity platforms for a range of cellphones, and a list of minor features too numerous to mention. It’s fair to say, though, the interior of the XV is comprehensive with several display panels providing the driver and occupants with a wealth of information, including, of course, the status of the hybrid system. While the XV hybrid is a smart piece of kit inthe first instance, you also should take note of its price. At $42,490 it is an absolute steal for a hybrid with such calibre. That’s just $5k over and above the standard XV. At that price I’d certainly be a starter, it compares markedly with, say, Kia’s Niro hybrid at $39,990 (2WD) and Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid at $43,490. If you are interested as a buyer, you’ll need to be quick, Subaru’s 2020 hybrid allocation to New Zealand was miniscule, and judging by just how good the XV is in this form, I’m picking there’ll be waiting lists very soon. 0800 8200 600 www.pickapart.co.nz CAR REMOVALS $$CASH PAID$$ CARS, VANS, UTES & 4X4 WANTED NZ OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 24 YEARS We use world class vehicle depollution systems 0800 8200 600 www.pickapart.co.nz WOF $ 50 .00 • Courtesy cars • oil changes • Full mechanical repairs • Brake & clutch repairs • transmission flush service • tyres & batteries • Petrol & diesel servicing Fitzgerald Motors PHONE 03 349 7813 Unit 8, 193 Waterloo road, Hornby (6 doors down from our old site)
Get the TLC experience SOLD we can sell yours too! SHIRLEY: 125 Quinns Road Ref: tlcrealty.co.nz/tlc10031 OPEN HOMES AVONDALE: 9 Newport Street 2 4 the price of 1! 3 bedroom house PLUS tiny house: Neg over $379,000 Deadline sale: 2 September Open Sat & Sun 2.15 – 2.45 pm Ref: tlcrealty.co.nz/tlc10029 NEW LISTING AVONHEAD: 50 Glenharrow Avenue A home to make memories in! 4 bedroom family friendly home. Deadline Sale: 9 September Open Sat & Sun 1-1.30 pm Ref: tlcrealty.co.nz/tlc10033 View by Appointment LITTLE RIVER: 4511 Chch Akaroa Road Home & income opportunity Negotiable over $529,000 Video Link: https://youtu.be/_FQYlZn6nzk Ref: tlcrealty.co.nz/tlc10028 *T&C’s apply We will pay for your marketing up to $500! No upfront payment required. Trish Lawrence 0274 350 565 or Kris Hagena 027 390 0097 MAKING YOUR MOVE EASIER tlc realty limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008 PROBABLY 10 BUYERS FOR EVER SALEABLE PROPERTY IN CHCH Even the experts are confused! But the answer is simple. Recent massive inwards migration of 47,000 has created a huge stimulus and sellers market anyone selling should take advantage of. Listings were short before the huge migration inflow but now the listing situation is almost critical. This is the time to get a great price and I will charge you less to do it. OYDS REAL ESTATE Phone: 027 228 7002 LREA 2008. The agent with 50+ years experience whose commission is half most firms. HOME LEISURE NEW DATES 4 - 6 SEPTEMBER Horncastle Arena Home & Property appears every Thursday, delivered FREE throughout Christchurch For more information and bookings, contact Mike Fulham M: 021 300 567 E: mike@starmedia.kiwi 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 EXHIBITORS WANTED! Only a fEw SPacES lEfT! contact lisa lynch on 021 800 809 to book yours today! Thursday August 20 2020 The Star 35 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 & Property EvEry Thursday AvonheAd BrAnd new over 60’S TownhouSeS 101 STAveley STreeT 1 Sold only 2 lefT Extra spacious and quality built, these brand new, standalone, over 60’s townhouses, with generous but easy care sections and extra wide access, are just completed and ready for occupation. Spacious open plan sunny living with sliders to hardwood decking, lawn and garden setting, adjoining stylish kitchen, two double bedrooms with builtin wardrobes and organisers, generous-sized tiled bathroom with separate bath, shower and vanity, separate toilet, extra storage plus carpeted, good -sized internal access, single garaging plus extra parking. These exceptional townhouses have quality chattels throughout with a floor area of approx. 106m 2 , and approximately 300m 2 of easy care landscaped section. Price Guide: Early to mid $500,000’s. Viewing will impress!! Call Stewart now for further details! oPen hoMeS: Saturday & Sunday 1.00pm to 1.30pm Stewart Ching Residential & Lifestyle Sales, Property Management Mobile 027 295 0134 | ddI 03 343 9487 email stewart@glassmiles.co.nz Glass Miles Real Estate | Licensed REAA 2008 32 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch www.glassmiles.co.nz Licensed REAA 2008
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The Star: August 20, 2020

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