Bay Harbour: February 21, 2024

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22 Bay Harbour News Wednesday February 21 2024 Corolla enters brave new hybrid world TOYOTA’S TOP selling Corolla has upped its low engine emissions credentials in this country, by ditching the 2.0-litre petrol model, and only offering hybrid petrol-electrical powertrains across the entire range. Corolla, is one of the best selling cars on the planet with more than 50 million sold since it launched nearly 60-years ago. Its huge success over this time has been anchored on it being solid, dependable and affordable, and never waivering from those core attributes which made it an automotive icon. At the same time, it has embraced new technology including safety and been responsive to changing buyer demand. The 12th generation Corolla has been with us since 2019, and a quantum advance over its predecessor with a more engaging driving experience, something that hasn’t traditionally been of strength of this model. It really hits the mark by offering high levels of advanced safety technology, and clever touches such as Mobile Assistant. This uses Motoring with Bob Nettleton Siri or Google Assistant voice commands to perform simple connectivity tasks like sending a text message or setting a reminder. Modern consumers prefer hybrid-electric powertrains that are now the most popular choice across the Corolla range. In the last two years, a lot of that is down to the now ditched generous Government clear car rebate. While the pace of buyer interest in EVs and hybrids will slow with the demise of incentive, interest won’t evaporate. I expect they will continue to appeal to those who value low emissions and running costs, and vehicle fleet operators striving to reduce their carbon footprints. Nearly two years ago there were eight models in the Corolla line-up. Going all hybrids has halved that figure, with a hybrid model among the casualties, with Toyota hitting the delete button on the sedan. This is the first time in decades this body style hasn’t featured in the Corolla NZ range. A shame really, because the latest version was one of the best, but buyer interest has waned even from the rental car firms and fleet operators, traditionally the largest purchasers of this model. Firing the opening shot in the hybridised three hatchback and one wagon Corolla family is the price leading $36,995 GX, followed by the mid-range $39,190 SX and rounding the hatch offering, is the flagship $42,190 ZR being reviewed here. There’s a GX wagon available for $36,990. The only remaining petrol only model is the $76,000 high performance 229kw 1.6-litre turbo GR hatch. It’s only available in very limited numbers, with the 150 units a year earmarked for our market allocated via a ballot system. An optional $1000 two-tone paint job buys you a black roof that contrasts really well with the bolder colours in the Corolla paint swatch, to provide a more sophisticated look. From a driving pleasure perspective, the sweet 125kW 2.0-litre dynamic torque internal combustion engine naturally aspirated engine will be missed. It always impressed with its strong and zippy performance and crisp throttle responsive. By comparison the 1.8-litre petrol electric hybrid, even with a combined power output has been bumped up to 103kw for a healthy 13kw power gain, lacks that zing. The extra urge for the hybrid models is off the back of Ratings out of 10: Performance 6; Handling 7; Build Quality 7; Comfort 7; Passenger and Load Space 5; Fuel Economy, on road test average consumption: 5.1L /100km Styling 7; Safety – Five Star ANCAP crash rating. Overall points out of 10: 7 the addition of a slightly larger and powerful battery pack. The extra performance is most obvious in around town motoring. Here the test car now runs for longer periods on flat terrain in EV only at speeds of up to 50km/h. The extra hybrid heft is less noticeable at higher speed open road cruising. Dropping the transmission into Sport mode was the best option for brisk overtaking, or maintaining a respectable pace on long hill climbs. It’s a pity the Corolla here doesn’t use the same impressive 135kW 2.0-litre petrol electric hybrid system that features in this model on some overseas markets. It does a great job in the Corolla Cross that arrived here about a year ago. Maybe Toyota is keeping their powder dry on it until we see an all-new Corolla some time in 2025. The Constant Variable Transmission automatic has a dynamic shift featuring a gear and belt drive system to improve transmission performance in the lower ratios, where belt efficiency isn’t so great. It uses a gear drive from standing starts, resulting in stronger acceleration, and reduces the irritating momentary sluggishness off the mark that characterised the CVT in the outgoing model. There are lots of positives about this latest Corolla but not a modestly proportioned cabin. Passenger space for rear seat occupants is cramped with limited head and legroom. Large wrap-around driver and front passenger seats accentuate the slightly claustrophobic feel for rear seat occupants. Befitting its top-of-the-range status, the ZR is equipped with a large colour head-up display, 18-inch alloys, leather and suede accented sports front seats, 8-speaker premium audio system, ambient cabin illumination, and high-grade bi- LED headlamps. This new model has an even smarter version of Toyota’s Safety Sense technology package, with one of the headline changes a pedestrian and cyclist detection system. Some other notables items from this package’s bag of safety tricks, are autonomous emergency braking, all speed dynamic radar cruise control and automatic high beam on and off. Handling went up several notches with his newest Corolla I cannot remember a version that got close to this one for crisp road holding and supple riding. The suspension acts quickly and decisively to calm and soothe the vehicle and its occupants through unexpected changes in direction by the driver, or the road surface. This Corolla is full of surprises, most positive around how it rides, drives and handles. subscribe AND sAVe 17% OFF THe rrP* *Based on savings for 12 issues New ZealaNd’s premier magaZiNe for lovers of yesterday’s cars classicdriver.co.nz 0800 624 295
Trades & Services Your local professional FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, GAS & DRAINAGE • Bathroom repairs • Renovations • Leaks • Blocked drains • Gas and drainage Carol and Chris Phone 376 5322 or email chcheast@laserplumbing.co.nz BRICKLAYER George Lockyer, Governors Bay. UK trained with over 40 years exp. Smaller jobs & brick repairs preferred. No job too small. 027 684 4046 E: georgelockyer@xtra.co.nz CARPET LAYING Exp. Repairs, uplifting, relaying, restretching. Phone John on 0800 003181, 027 240 7416 jflattery@xtra.co.nz CHIM CHIM CHIMNEY SWEEPS We’ll sweep your logburner’s flue, check Quality firebricks, baffles, airtubes & controls. We’re experts on coal-rangers, and can sweep any sized open fire. We quote & undertake repairs, flue extensions & install bird netting. 0800 22 44 64 www.chimchim. nz Dirty Grout & Tiles? Patios Need Cleaning Classifieds GARDENING Specialist tree trimming & shaping, also preparation of garden beds, delivery & laying of bark. Ph Hugh The Little Green Groomer 021 275 5445 GUTTER CLEANING / HOUSE WASH Total gutter / spouting clear out & clean. House wash & windows. For a professional & reliable service call Greg Brown A1 Spouting Cleaning 027 616 0331 or 384 2661 HIGH SPEC PAINTERS local professionals. E: corban@ highspecpainters.co.nz Ph: 027 846 5035 HOME IMPROVEMENTS Decks, fencing, retaining walls, kitchens, sleepouts, kitsets, renovations and more. Greg 022 475 8227 Trades & Services PAINTING DECORATING All types of int/ext painting undertaken. 30 + yrs exp. Ph Michael 022 496 3322 PLUMBER Do you need a reliable plumber? Quality and timely services. No job too big or small. Phone V Plumbing Ltd. 022 351 4125 SWIMMING POOLS Cleanups & servicing, pumps, filters, chemicals. Repairs & sales. Heating, solar & heatpumps. Robotic cleaners & demo’s. Ph 027 24 26 555 - 7 days Tuition Gardening & Supplies PEA STRAW New season, shed stored, avail individual or 21 bale bound stack. $8 per bale. Ph 0211 444 151 To Lease Office space to lease, Chch CBD area. 100 sqm. Comp priced. Flexible lease period. Call Shane for more details on 021 381 765 Wanted To Buy Caravan wanted with shower and toilet, needing repairs ok or any condition. Ph 027 6220 011 PIANO LESSONS Catherine Bracegirdle DipABRSM ATCL AIRMT 12 Ridgeway Pl, Richmond Hill, Sumner PH. 021 044 5102 www.pianoandtheory.co.nz catherine.bracegirdle@gmail.com Public Notices Charitable Trust DRIVER EDUCATION LYTTELTON CLUB 328 SUMMER HOURS: 12 NOON TO LATE WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY Spectacular Event Returns SAIL GP 23-24 MARCH LYTTELTON HARBOUR From the comfort of the lounge bar join the fan zone at Lyttelton Club 328 and watch these high-performance F50 catamarans battle it out and showcase Lyttelton to the world! TICKETS $70 PP /DAY Includes: Platters | Drink on Arrival | Parking Great View | Fan Zone | LIVE Big Screen SUNDAY SESSION 25 FEBRUARY - LIVE JAZZ - Wednesday February 21 2024 Bay Harbour News 23 PLATTERS AVAILABLE $30 EACH - SERVES 2 Mouldy Silicone? * FREE Quote +6421-2088-183 WINDOW TINTING tintawindow advanced film solutions 99% uv block fade protection heat control reduce glare 25 Years Experience privacy films frosting designs non-darkening films Workmanship Guaranteed Lifetime Warranties on Most Films UV block Free Quotes Canterbury and Districts 03 365 3653 0800 368 468 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE Phone for further details (03) 379 1100 BISTRO328 Great Food | Great Value Blackboard Specials DINNER THUR - SUN LUNCH SAT - SUN SUNDAY CARVERY $25 AVAILABLE FROM 5.30PM LYTTELTON CLUB 328 23 DUBLIN STREET | LYTTELTON | 03 328 8740 www.facebook.com/LytteltonClub328 FAMILY FRIENDLY - EVERYBODY WELCOME
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Bay Harbour: February 21, 2024

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