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News: The Evolution of the Volkswagen Amarok

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July 27th, 2012 by Karen Joy Provo

New 8 speed Auto and Super Single Cab Released

After causing a significant shake up in the ute market with the launch of Amarok in early 2011, Volkswagen is now set to turn up the heat again with an extended model offering, as the Double Cab Automatic and Super Single Cab variants enter the New Zealand market this week.

  • The NZ Amarok range now incorporates Double Cab Automatic and Super Single Cab Manual
  • Amarok Double Cab with 8 speed automatic gearbox combines high levels of off-road ability with optimal driver and passenger comfort
  • Amarok Super Single Cab provides the “best of both worlds”

In many respects the Amarok has already set new standards in its class, however Volkswagen have now laid claim to another first; an innovative 8-speed automatic transmission that combines excellent ride comfort with great off-road capabilities and unrivalled fuel economy values. The Amarok will again set the benchmark in the 1-tonne Ute market.

This automatic transmission is combined with permanent four-wheel drive with the new 132kW / 420Nm Twin Turbo TDI engine and produces exceptional driving performance and a relaxed ride – even when towing or with a heavy payload. The top speed of 179 km/h is reached in 7th gear and towing capacity is 3,000kg (up to 12% gradient).

The additional gear levels enable it to achieve a broader gear ratio spread between the 1st and 8th gears compared to a conventional automatic transmission, leading to some very positive effects: thanks to this greater spread the TDI engine works even more effectively in every rev range, and it is more fuel-efficient and agile. Consumption of just 8.3 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 219 g/km set this Amarok apart in the 1-tonne Ute market. Moreover, 8th gear was configured as a fuel-saving overdrive gear that operates at reduced engine speed. The first gear is configured for pulling away in off-road use or when towing. Like the manual version, the Amarok with automatic transmission and permanent 4-wheel drive is thus also highly capable in all-terrain use without any need for additional reduction gearing.

The Amarok Super Single Cab features a load bed that has been extended to 2,205mm with the same vehicle length and wheelbase as compared with the four-door double cab. The load bed, which is 65 cm longer than that of the double cab, can easily accommodate two standard sized pallets crosswise, one behind the other, leaving another 60 cm of bed length available. With an unchanged loading width of 1.22 metres between the wheel housings, it provides a loading area of 3.57 m2.

Single cab pickups are considered to be the classic “workhorse” for the tough conditions in industry, construction and agriculture. The size of the load bed is what counts in these fields. The Amarok Super Single Cab combines the best of both worlds; ample load area while also ensuring the vehicle’s occupants has enough room. It is longer than the competitors’ models so that valuable items can also be easily stowed behind both seats, with plenty of room left over to find the optimal seat position. Fuel consumption in the Amarok Super Single Cab is extremely low: from only 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which is equal to a CO2 output of 195 g/km.

New Zealand will see the Amarok Double Cab Automatic launch in Highline spec level, including chrome accents and rear bumper, 17” alloys with flared arches, leather multi-function steering wheel and bluetooth connectivity. Amarok Super Single Cab customers will be able to choose between the rear wheel drive 90kW / 340Nm 2.0-litre TDI model or the 4Motion four-wheel-drive model with the 120kW / 400Nm 2.0-litre Twin Turbo TDI engine – both in connection with a six-speed manual gearbox. The same high level of safety equipment carry down from the current Amarok model line-up, with the new variants also featuring ESP as standard, as well as front airbags for driver and front passenger as well as head/thorax airbags.

Grant Doull, General Manager of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles NZ is understandably excited about the introduction of these new models into NZ; “Looking back, the initial launch of Amarok Double Cab in New Zealand in early 2011 has certainly been a great success for our brand. As we continue to see the cross-over of typical SUV type buyers opting to have a dual use Utility like the Amarok as their vehicle of choice, we see some terrific potential for our new 8 speed Amarok automatic. We are more than confident the unrivalled ride comfort and smooth transmission will help to quickly establish the Amarok Automatic in the NZ marketplace”.

“Driver comfort, safety, fuel economy, loading capabilities and in-cabin storage solutions are key attributes we believe the Super Single Cab can offer the user, when considering the hard working industries this type of model typically finds a home. The introduction of this additional variant also allows us to offer such a truly comprehensive model range in the NZ market; Amarok Super Single and Amarok Double Cabs, along with our Commercial van range; Caddy, Transporter and Crafter. The release of the new Double Cab Automatic transmission and Super Single Cab will again lay down a new benchmark for the Ute market and reinforce the evolving impact Volkswagen is having on the landscape of the New Zealand motor industry. We believe the Amarok is a game changer; not only as it re-defines existing Ute standards but it also means that now more than ever, Volkswagen has a car for every Kiwi”.

New Zealand Amarok Pricing
2WD TDI Amarok Super Single Cab – $41,990
4WD Twin Turbo TDI Amarok Super Single Cab – $49,990

2WD TDI Amarok Double Cab – $43,990
2WD Twin Turbo TDI Amarok Double Cab Highline $49,990
4WD Twin Turbo TDI Amarok Double Cab – $56,500
4WD Twin Turbo TDI Amarok Double Cab Highline – $61,990
4WD Twin Turbo TDI Amarok Double Cab Highline Auto – $64,990

Posted by on July 27th, 2012 in News | Tags: , ,

News: All-New Mazda6 Sedan World Premiere at 2012 Moscow Motor Show

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July 26th, 2012 by Karen Joy Provo

—Mazda’s new flagship model fully incorporates both SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the KODO-SOUL OF MOTION design theme—

Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6 sedan, totally redesigned for the first time in five years, at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. The Moscow Motor Show begins August 29 and runs through to September 9, 2012.

The new Mazda6 is the second of Mazda’s new generation of products which incorporate both the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the new KODO-SOUL OF MOTION design language. It will also be the first model equipped with Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system, i-ELOOP. The introduction of i-ELOOP marks stage 2 of Mazda’s Building Block Strategy for environmental technology development. The strategy calls for thorough improvements in base automotive technologies before the step-by-step introduction of electric devices to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director Mazda New Zealand says there is a lot of excitement among New Zealand vehicle buyers around the all new Mazda6.

“The Mazda6 has been a stand out performer for us in New Zealand since its launch in 2002 and we expect this new generation model to prove just as popular.”

The new Mazda6 draws on the best of Mazda’s technical expertise and craftsmanship across all domains, from dynamic performance and design, through to environmental performance and safety. It stands as the flagship model for a new generation of Mazda products. It features a sense of dignity, style, luxury feel and comfort expected from a vehicle in the CD segment whilst offering the pleasure of responsive and agile driving, which is at the core of the Mazda brand.

Main Exhibits at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show

Reference exhibits Mazda6 Sedan (World premiere)
Mazda Shinari concept car
Technology exhibits SKYACTIV Engine
Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system ‘i-ELOOP’
Vehicles currently on sale Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5,Mazda MX-5, Mazda CX-5
Posted by on July 26th, 2012 in News | Tags: , , , ,

Road Tests / Car Reviews: Toyota Prius i-Tech 2012 – Road Test

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July 23rd, 2012 by Car and SUV

There’s an interesting exercise in brand pricing going on with the Prius i-Tech. You can get into the Prius range with the Prius c for around thirty-one to thirty-five thousand, but then there’s a big jump to the base model Prius at fifty grand, and if you want this tricked-out i-Tech verion, it’s $54,490 (online price).

Coincidentally this is only $10 less than the base model Lexus hybrid (the CT200h), but if you plump for the top-of-the-line CT200h F Sport which has similar features to the Prius i-Tech you’ll pony up $72,000.

So, your decision is whether to Read the full story »

Posted by on July 23rd, 2012 in Road Tests / Car Reviews, Toyota | Tags: , , , , ,

Blogs: Olympic Lanes Have A Certain Ring To Them

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July 23rd, 2012 by Tim Grimley

Despite being told to bloody well harden up and get a smile on their faces by their buffoonish Mayor, Boris Johnson, one cannot help but notice that the folk of old London town are not all overflowing with Olympic spirit. Rather than hanging out the bunting and welcoming the world with open arms, my fellow countrymen are getting in some last minute practise at the one event which we always lead the world: whinging.

And the source of their ire is this: the 2012 Olympics are turning out to be rather popular. Now you might think that given the build up has not run the smoothest course – British weather has been typically ‘seasonal’, G4S has made a monkey’s breakfast of security and the proletariat are winkling up the cobblestones over the surface to air missiles parked in their window boxes – the locals would be delighted that the sports fans of the world are rolling up in their droves, but no. It seems that having a few extra people knocking around is causing a bit of congestion and this simply will not do.

However it would be wrong to dismiss this as simple Pommie whining, xenophobia or small mindedness. The problem is rather more to do with the way the congestion is being caused – Olympic lanes.

Want priority transport? You should have tried harder at athletics class

Mindful of the potential for a public relations disaster that would be caused if every event was delayed by 30 minutes due to the near gridlock that passes for traffic flow inside the M25, the London Olympic team has decided to set aside 50km of roadway exclusively for the use of those associated with the games. So while a handful of athletes and officials will get a comparatively free ride, the millions who call London home will have to struggle by on buses, trains and 50 km less roadway. All of which causes a bit of offence to the British sense of fair play.

Still the world isn’t fair and the good people of London would do well to remember this, because if the powers that be have any sense the lanes will remain in place long after the games have been forgotten. Everyone talks about the importance of these large events leaving a legacy on their host cities and the presence of a restricted transit option could fund London’s coffers from here to eternity.

The human being is an incredibly resourceful creature and by the time the Olympics are over Londoners will have become more than accustomed to making their way around in spite of the new lanes. So why not simply keep them and charge a select band of very rich people a small fortune to have unfettered access to the capital?
Despite the woes of the banking sector, the City of London still has a pretty high density of incredibly wealthy individuals, many of which would pay handsomely for the promise of rapid, private, luxurious transport. Money which could be pumped back into flash buses, ferries and rolling stock to make life that little bit more pleasant for the rest of the worker ants.

And it’s a plan we could easily adopt here in Auckland by introducing a charging policy on the northern bus lane. It may not take much to convince city bigwigs that a lifestyle block just north of Albany is a sensible move if the infrastructure allowed them to bypass the herd on the way to the office every morning. The big smoke has some big plans when it comes to travel and if using our resources to eek a bit of cash from those that can most afford it will lessen the burden – even a little bit – for the average taxpayer, then it must be an option worth considering?

After all, while we may spend the next few weeks going for gold, with the prospect of a total bill approaching $70 billion, going for gold coin should also be a priority.

Posted by on July 23rd, 2012 in Blogs | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Road Tests / Car Reviews: Toyota Prius c 2012 – Road Test

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July 20th, 2012 by Car and SUV

Today I read a scathing dissertation on global warming in Rolling Stone magazine. The main thrust of the article was that the globe simply can’t tolerate a 2% rise in CO2, but the oil companies are too politically powerful to be legislated against and that any change in our oil consumption habits has to be driven from the population. But in the Herald today it said that half of New Zealanders are ‘sloth-like’. So it’s not going to suddenly happen due to us all deciding to bike to work.

It’s going to happen eventually, though, because Read the full story »

Posted by on July 20th, 2012 in Road Tests / Car Reviews, Toyota | Tags: , , , , ,

News: New Hyundai i30 Coming to New Zealand

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July 20th, 2012 by Karen Joy Provo

Hyundai Motors New Zealand has launched the new-generation i30; a vehicle the company expects will build on the success of the original model thanks to an all new European design.

Hyundai General Manager Andy Sinclair says the i30 is the company’s best-selling and most awarded model globally and the new-generation i30 really ups the ante against its Europeans rivals.

“The i30 is designed and engineered at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, and built at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Namyang, South Korea,” he says.

“This car changes the game in value in the small car market. It’s going to be a hit with Kiwis. It really pushes the envelope on design, technology and efficient performance.

Every new i30 comes standard with the Flex Steer system, one-touch triple turn indicators, iPod/USB connectivity and Bluetooth hands free phone system with steering wheel controls, and cruise control. The Elite model adds front heated seats, electric folding outside mirrors, stop/start button, 17” alloy wheels, reversing camera and reversing sensors.

“Once you take account of all these additional features, the value of every model is market leading,” says Mr Sinclair.

The new i30 has also been named as ‘one of the safest choices within the small car category’ by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), receiving the maximum five-star safety rating.

“It is further testament to Hyundai’s continued commitment to bringing industry-leading occupant and pedestrian safety within reach of all New Zealanders,” says Mr Sinclair.

As well as achieving the maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the new generation i30 comes with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies as standard.

Active safety systems include Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS with EBD and Brake Assist System (BAS), whilst advanced passive safety features include the use of ultra-high tensile steel within the body shell and seven airbags standard, including driver knee airbag.

In New Zealand, there is a choice of fuel-saving petrol and diesel engines with combined fuel efficiency as low as 4.5 litres* per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions as low as 119 g/km*.

There is also the choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, with both units providing a refined driving experience and enhanced fuel efficiency.

The entry model i30 manual petrol starts at $34,490 and the Elite auto petrol from $39,990.

The new i30 is on sale now and available for test drives from one of Hyundai’s 23 dealerships nationwide.

*Applies to the 1.6 CRDi M6 model

Posted by on July 20th, 2012 in News | Tags: , , , ,

News: BRZ Is A Sell Out On Both Sides Of The Tasman

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July 20th, 2012 by Karen Joy Provo

Subaru’s BRZ sports car has sold out for 2012 on both sides of the Tasman.

In Australia the 201 cars available between now and the end of the year sold-out after just three hours of being available in an exclusive on line sales site on Subaru Australia’s website.

And all 12 cars allocated to New Zealand have been presold for when they are delivered to customers on December 12.

Demand temporarily stalled Subaru Australia’s website, but after it went “live” the first online customer took just 20 minutes to complete the process, from choosing accessories, completing their contract and paying their deposit.

There were eight orders in the first five minutes and 50 cars sold in 90 minutes in Australia.

BRZ orders in both countries are now against stock due to be delivered in early 2013.

The BRZ is built at Subaru’s Gunma plant in Japan and is offered in a single high specification model with a choice of six speed manual or automatic transmission. The two litre Boxer engine provides 147 kWs.

The sports coupe has achieved a five star ANCAP crash testing rating, the highest possible.

Posted by on July 20th, 2012 in News | Tags: , , ,

News: RX Models Extend Navara Range

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July 19th, 2012 by Karen Joy Provo

Nissan has extended the breadth of its D40 Navara range with the introduction of eight value for money RX badged models to cater to tradesmen, the agricultural and forestry sectors.

“These are working utes intended for people who have heavy, dirty gear they need to get to job sites and the wide variety of places our primary industries operate in,” said John Manley the Managing Director of Nissan New Zealand.

“And we have reintroduced a King Cab Well-side model to the Navara RX range for those people who need cab storage space, but prefer the longer tray.”

The Navara RX is available as a King Cab chassis, allowing buyers to personalise the rear of the Ute to their needs, as well as a King Cab well-side and Double Cab.

The Navara RX models have gone on sale from $39,900 for the two wheel drive double cab and from $46,490 for the four wheel drive King Cab chassis.

In total there are eight RX models available, as all four variants come with either a six speed manual gearbox or a 5 speed automatic transmission.

The two rear wheel drive models have the 106 kWs and 356 Nm of torque version of Nissan’s 2.5 litre four cylinder turbo diesel motor, while the six 4WD models get 126 kWs and 403 Nm.

And while the RX is easy to keep clean with its vinyl floor covering and heavy duty upholstery it has not totally scrimped on features. There is air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, keyless entry and a four speaker sound system.

For utes that are expected to earn their keep, there is a rear limited slip differential, anti lock brakes and an electronic safety programme also known as vehicle dynamics control.

The RX models can be distinguished by their steel wheels – all other Navara D40s have alloys – no rear bumper and manually operated door mirrors.

“We’ve obviously had to leave out some equipment to make the RX more attractive to farmers, rural and forestry contractors,” said Mr Manley. “But all the important technical features are still there that a working Ute needs to perform to expectations.”

The 2WD RX models have a towing capacity of 2000 kgs and the 4WDs, three tonne.

Above the RX models, Nissan offers four different mid range ST double cab models with two and four wheel drive. They add carpeted cabins, 16 inch alloy wheels, side steps and a chromed rear bumper among other features and have the same engine and transmission options as the RX.

The higher specification STX models – again all double cabs – have 120 kWs 2WD and 140 kWs 4WD power trains, with 17 inch alloys, an active brake limited slip differential, dual zone climate control, Nissan’s unique tie down system at the rear and a leather covered steering wheel which incorporates controls for the 6 speaker audio, cruise control, blue tooth and trip computer.

The top of the range STX 550, which was introduced earlier this year has even more features with the 170 kWs turbo diesel V6 under the bonnet.

Nissan is still retaining its core D22 Navara Ute, for those buyers wanting a physically smaller vehicle. The D22 is available as either a single cab chassis or double cab with a choice of 2WD and 4WD – all with a manual gearbox – ranging from $30,200 to $44,500.

Posted by on July 19th, 2012 in News | Tags: , , ,
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