10 Thursday <strong>January</strong> <strong>11</strong> <strong>2024</strong> Join the best IN THE BUSINESS! ‘‘ coach and mentor in NZ. ‘‘ If you're thinking of a new career in the new year, talk to Lynette (Polly) and get advice from the best real estate - Cameron Bailey (No.1 Harcourts Sales Consultant in NZ) A new year brings new beginnings, now is a really great time to reflect and consider some life changing decisions. Call Lynette confidentially if you'd like to start or accelerate your real estate career. Lynette McFadden 027 432 0447 | lynette.mcfadden@harcourtsgold.co.nz LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008
Thursday <strong>January</strong> <strong>11</strong> <strong>2024</strong> <strong>11</strong> Incorporating best motorbuys www.drivesouth.co.nz Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 lively and refined EXPECTATIONS are high on any new model replacing a top seller, even more so when it happens to be the GLC SUV, a sales star for Mercedes-Benz, the producer of some of the finest luxury vehicles on the planet. The GLC is new, but faces off against the same old adversaries such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX. It features Mercedes’ renowned 4MATIC AWD system and Motoring with Bob Nettleton is fitted with a 48V mild hybrid power system with a second-generation Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG). These upgrades sharpen the engine’s responsiveness and flexibility on the one hand and save fuel on the other for a winning double whammy. The only model sold here is the GLC 300 4MATIC, priced from $<strong>11</strong>3,900, and was the one chosen for this road test. There are a host of other worthwhile enhancements over the previous model. Those you will notice most are new body-coloured wheel arches, tapered running boards and 20-inch AMG bicolour alloy wheels. It keeps making every post a winner, with a bold overhaul of the passenger compartment that follows the lead of its C- Class sibling, and banishing almost all buttons and switches. These are replaced by a central portrait-oriented display screen that becomes the ‘go to’ for most vehicles’ functions, including the latest generation of the company’s lauded MBUX infotainment system. The GLC 300 features a 48V electrical system and secondgeneration Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), providing support off the mark and in the low rev range. The ISG can provide an additional 17kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It also sees the engine start quickly and quietly, making the transition from stop to start barely discernible. These systems ensure smooth power from a 190kW turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 400Nm of torque. This ensures improved strength and flexibility through the rev range. Lively and supremely refined, it shifts a sold luxury SUV with verve and purpose that is up a good notch on the previous engine. A sophisticated and highly organized 9-speed automatic effortlessly reels off the gear changes with accuracy and precision. There is an abundance of usable passenger space and a generous 620 litres of cargo carrying capacity. High-quality cabin materials are to the fore with Artico seats, upper dash and door linings; wood grain dashboard trim; and piano black finish for the centre console. Wireless smartphone integration and charging are standard. This the best-equipped GLC yet with no extra cost features. It includes a panoramic sunroof and Head-Up Display, front seat electric adjustment, memory settings and heated seats. Targeted towards journeys over rougher terrain, the ‘transparent bonnet’ shows an image on the central display screen of any lurking ground obstructions directly in front of, or below the front of the vehicle, as well as Ratings out of 10: Performance 8; Handling 7; Build Quality 9; Comfort 8; Styling 7; Avg fuel consumption on road test – 7.2L/100km; Value for money 7; Safety – Five Star ANCAP crash rating. Overall points out of 10: 8 the angle of the front wheels. This clever tech finds a safe path through challenging terrain fraught with hazards. With the press of a button, Dynamic Select lets you adjust the suspension to suit a variety of driving scenarios. Ride quality is impressive; I tried my best to generate a bit of angry suspension noise or bump thud, but came up empty handed. The handling is agile and well balanced with good grip and traction, and much of this is down to how the suspension and 4WD system work as one. This isn’t a serious off-roader and doesn’t claim to be. However, it is well suited for tackling ski field access roads, or traversing wellformed tracks. Finance available (conditions apply) CARS WANTED – CASH PAID We buy small Japanese vehicles - Must be tidy REDUCED 20<strong>11</strong> maZda aXELa $7,995 1500cc, auto, 184,500kms. 2010 miTsUbishi RVR $10,995 1800cc, auto, 2WD, 128,000kms. 2012 NissaN Tiida 5/haTch $6,995 1.5 auto, new WOF, 127,000kms. 2014 TOyOTa cOROLLa GX haTch 1.8 was $<strong>11</strong>,995 NOw $10,995 Auto, NZ new 176,000kms. 3 AvAIlAblE 2012 NissaN Tiida LaTiO 4 dOOR $5,995 1.5 auto, 131,000kms, new WOF, drives well. 2009 sUZUKi sX4 $8,995 5Dr Hatch, 2.0L auto, NZ new, <strong>11</strong>4,000kms. 2015 TOyOTa cOROLLa GX haTch $12,995 1600cc, 147,000kms, rev.camera, NZ new. 2012 NissaN Tiida 5/haTch $6,995 1.5 auto, <strong>11</strong>1,000kms. 2007 sUZUKi swiFT 5/haTch $6,995 1240cc, 87000kms, auto, just arrived. SAMPlE PHOTO REDUCED 2008 TOyOTa ViTZ R/s 5/haTch 1300 $7,995 Auto, 73,000kms, arriving. 2015 TOyOTa yaRis 5/haTch was $13,995 NOw $12,495 1.3L, auto, NZ new, low 56,000kms. 2012 hyUNdai i30 s/w $8,995 NZ new, 1600cc, auto, 133,000kms, alloys. 2012 hyUNdai i30 5/haTch $7,995 1.6L, auto, 173,000kms, alloys. 2002 sUZUKi aERiO 1.5 $3,995 Auto, 197,000kms - 281 Ferry Road - 03 389 <strong>11</strong>21 - dougdrake@xtra.co.nz www.dougdrake.co.nz
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