Juke recall gives new meaning to sticker shock

Don’t worry, it seems only the neighbours are upset by this issue.

COULD it legitimately be called a jack-up? 

A recall action for the latest Nissan Juke, that seems not to have impact on examples shipped to New Zealand, is certainly something out of the ordinary.

It seems the car has become subject to a precautionary check-over action across the Tasman because the jack that comes with the car does not comply with Australian safety standards.

The problem isn’t with the device itself – it’s in perfect condition to undertake the job of lifting the vehicle off the ground to change tyres. 

It’s all down to it not having a label that passes muster with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

It says the jacks do not comply with Australian safety standards due to the omission of a correct instruction label. Not having this could potentially cause an accident if a vehicle is not jacked correctly by the operator.

Affected vehicles were sold between 20 May 2020 and 2 September 2020. Nissan Australia is contacting owners to organise inspection and repair of the defect. 

As for New Zealand? Well, we take the same stock as Australia, but there has been no word from Nissan New Zealand – whose new boss in still stuck in Australia, due to coronavirus travel restrictions – and, from a quick check with a local dealer, the consternation raised across the Tasman has not been felt here. ‘All news to me’ was the local comment, with thought no action is required here.

C8 Corvette’s design and engineering story told

Fascinating YouTube video series a must for rev-heads

JUST because it’s still the best part of a year away from touching New Zealand soil doesn’t mean it’s too early to bone up on the C8 Corvette’s background.

To assist with that, Chevrolet has helpfully created a series of backgrounder videos about the car that, by being mid-engined, represents the biggest shift in the nameplate's decades-long history.

"Revolution: The Mid-Engine Corvette Development Story" is a two-part documentary hosted on YouTube.

Chevrolet has just released the first piece, which focuses on the Corvette's interior and exterior design.

It’s a fascinating insight for car fans, regardless of how close your interest in America’s best-known sports car.

Plenty of involvement from the people who took the model into mid-engined territory for the first time.

The roster of stylists who appear in it includes Tom Peters, the former exterior design director of General Motors’ Performance Car Studio, Brett Golliff, Chevrolet's design and trim manager, Vlad Kapitonov, the Corvette's lead exterior designer, and Kirk Bennion, the model's exterior design manager.

Development work quietly started in 2011, but the idea of putting the engine behind the passenger compartment isn't new, and Chevrolet has experimented with this configuration many times since the 1960s. One 1973 prototype was even powered by a twin-rotor Wankel engine. Putting a rotary engine into the gen-eight car wasn’t considered.

Peters, Golliff, and others explained inspiration the latest car’s shape came from fighter jets and racing cars, among other sources. Jets are quick and purpose-driven, so the design team naturally looked at what members of the US Air Force fly as they sketched the car's finer details, like vents. Racing has been an official part of the Corvette's history since Chevrolet entered five cars in the 1956 edition of the 24 Hours of Sebring.

The series doesn’t give insight into what car might follow the C8, but has given a few hints about the processes that could apply from this point, with Peters commenting: “I'm here to tell you that it's just the tip of the iceberg. Just imagine where it can go from this point. This is just the beginning."

SsangYong files for bankruptcy, continues trading

National distributor Great Lake Motors assures Kiwis it’s ‘business as usual.’

SOUTH KOREAN recreational vehicle specialist SsangYong Motor has secured protection under South Korea’s bankruptcy administration process after it failed to repay creditors a loan worth roughly $NZ76,000,000.

The company has been given three months to work through its affairs, in hope that it will be bought during that time, and will continue to operate normally during that period, says Andrew Bayliss, general manager for the New Zealand distributor, Great Lake Motor Distributors.

Insofar as the brand’s affairs in NZ are concerned, it is business as usual, he says.

He is also confident the situation will end well, asserting “there is a buyer in the wings” for the make.

“We expect that deal to go ahead.

“For New Zealand it is business as usual. As it is in other markets. We are still getting product, we are still getting cars produced. We have got cars being despatched today, in fact.

“For New Zealand, we do not anticipate any interruption.”

Mr Bayliss disputes the brand has filed for bankruptcy, though this has been reported globally. The Korean administration process is, however, similar to the American Chapter 11 administration processes which is used to assist a business restructure often prior to a sale.

Entering into receivership in South Korea means SsangYong has volunteered to be dramatically restructured, according to a report on the website of Forbes magazine. 

It said all of SsangYong Motor’s assets have been frozen under the receivership programme, which protect it from action over its outstanding debts and receivables.

A report on the website of British weekly motoring publication Autoexpress cites SsangYong as claiming it has delayed the repayment due to worsening business conditions globally, and having failed to come to an agreement to extend repayment deadlines with foreign lenders has applied for receivership. 

“The company plans to resolve the current liquidity issue early before the rehabilitation procedures are commenced by applying for Autonomous Restructuring Support,” read a statement.

Autonomous Restructuring Support gives the brand a further three months to agree resolutions with creditors before court action. 

Indian automotive giant Mahindra and Mahindra has owned a 70 percent stake in SsangYong since 2011, and currently owns 75 percent of the business. It has been looking to sell on the brand.

The make, South Korea’s fourth largest car maker, has sustained 15 straight losing quarters. Its main creditor is the Korea Development Bank (KDB), though foreign financial institutions are also owed money. 

SsangYong sales globally for 2020 are around20 percent down on 2019. 

A SsangYong spokesperson in South Korea said: “We very much regret this situation which is the result of the difficulties being experienced from the worldwide COVID-19 situation, and the concern caused to our partners and stakeholders, especially our employees, sales networks and financial institutions.  

“We are making every effort to transform the situation, and to build a more robust and competitive company for the future.”

Great Lake Motors has held SsangYong distribution rights in NZ since 2010. GWM is run by Taupo father and son Rick and Deon Cooper. Models represented in this market include the Rexton, Tivoli and Korando SUVs and the Rhino utility.

Tiguan update: Prepare to say R

VW’s medium SUV is about to undergo a mid-life update, but the four versions arriving in March aren’t the biggest surprise.

FOUR mainstream models in March - an exciting and fresh-to-type new hotshot flagship toward the end of the year. 

That’s the gameplan laid out by Volkswagen New Zealand in respect to the 2021 five-seater Tiguan, a mid-life update introducing four years after this generation went on sale. 

The first-time option of a high-performance model introduces with the flagship Tiguan R (above), which delivers a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine producing 235kW and 420Nm and zero to 100kmh in 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmh.

Astute VW fans will pick this variant is packing the same engine that features in the Golf R, whose latest version – based on the gen eight hatchback – will likely land in NZ around the same time as the fastest-ever Tiguan.

As with the Golf, the ‘Titan Tig’s’ power is sent to an all-wheel drive system through a seven-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch transmission.

The model’s R-Performance Torque Vectoring system can vary the torque split between the front and rear axles as well as the two rear wheels, like Audi's Sport Differential.

The hero model also wears 21-inch alloy wheels, has 18-inch brakes and a 10mm reduced ride height and features a barking Akrapovic exhaust system.

Further details, including pricing, won’t reveal until much closer to release, but VW New Zealand has expressed excitement about the car’s potential. 

“We think this model will do very well,” marketing and communications executive Shannon Pentecost said.

“For the first time VW will have an impressive R performance range including Golf, Tiguan and Touareg all destined for NZ toward the end of 2021.”

VW NZ’s confirmation of intent to land the R-spec model comes in the wake of it announcing details, including pricing, the four mainstream petrol Tiguans it will have in dealerships from March, these in two trim levels and with or without all-wheel-drive.

The front-drive choices, with a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, are the $46,900 TSI Life entry-level and next-step up $55,900 TSI R-Line.

Those preferring all-wheel-drive have the choice of a $59,990 TSI Style and $68,900 TSI R-Line. These run with a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, putting out 132kW/320Nm in the Style and 162kW/350Nm in the higher-end variant.

The latter also steps up on the suspension department, with inclusion of the Adaptive Chassis Control system with its electronically controlled dampers to go with its sportier styling. Both four-wheel-drive editions have drive modes. 

The new models are identified by their adoption of VW’s new frontal appearance, notably the chiselled headlights and wide grille that brings it into line with the newest family members. 

They also deliver higher content than the current cars. All models arrive with automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assist, plus hill-descent control.

The interior again features a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen- standard throughout the range save in the top-spec AWD, with has a 9.2-inch screen - a new steering wheel design with new touch controls, as well as some trim changes and new charging ports, including USB-C. VW’s new MIB3 infotainment system also features. 

It’s not yet clear if any NZ-bound Tiguan variants will feature the new Travel Assist feature, which offers a degree of automated driving, though it requires a driver to keep contact with the steering wheel – even if with a light touch - when it is active and uses touch detection to ensure that happens.

The system uses radar cruise control and lane keeping assistance technology and takes into account local speed limit information, town boundary signs, junctions and roundabouts, and will adjust the vehicle’s speed accordingly.

VW believes this is a safer avenue than actual hands-off autonomy, saying: “Touch detection is a great deal more reliable than steering angle-based systems even on long and very flat stretches of road.”

Also subject of conjecture in respect to right-hand drive availability is another body style option – a sleeker coupe-SUV profile.

So far this fastback shape is only available to Volkswagen’s China line-up, where it is badged as the Tiguan X.

Golf tees off in three hatch models

VW has announced pricing and details of the new Golf, landing in March

GOLF TSI will front with 1.4-litre petrol in two trim levels.

MIGHT one of the world’s most famous hatchbacks be immune to the general consumer shift away from orthodox road cars in favour of crossovers and sports utilities?

Volkswagen New Zealand seems to be suggesting that could be the case for the next generation of its Golf; they say pre-registrations of interest in next year’s new car has been strong.

Greg Leet, general manager of Volkswagen passenger vehicles, says there has been a lot of customer interest in the gen eight, whose introduction has been delayed by coronavirus.

The distributor has today confirmed a car once touted as a 2020 introduction will be on sale in March, three hatch formats - mainstream $37,990 TSi Life and $47,990 TSi R-Line plus the  $61,490 GTI – preceding another, the four-wheel-drive Golf R flagship. That’s coming toward the end of year. 

Not on the consignment list for New Zealand is the GTI Clubsport, the replacement for the Golf TCR, which runs the gen eight GTI’s EA888 engine, but in a peppier evo four tune that puts it above the TCR. The gen eight GTI, meantime, makes 180kW and 370Nm.

 The TSi cars adopt a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, married to an eight-speed auto. The Life is on 17-inch rims,  the R-Line takes 18s. The GTI also runs on 18s, but has 19s as a $1750 option.

Golf GTI will land with mainstream models

VW impresses the new-generation car will be the most technically advanced Golf to date – with a full suite of advanced safety features as standard across the range, packaged as IQ driver assistance. This includes city and highway speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), intersection AEB, radar cruise control and blind zone warning. The Life misses out on rear cross-traffic alert, has a slightly lower grade of adaptive cruise control and doesn’t have park assist.

A digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen is standard, as well as wireless Apple Car Play and wireless Android Auto – and fast-charging USB-C ports. All but the base car have factory sat nav.

The direct shift automatics are shift-by-wire so have a smaller toggle to select forward and reverse, creating more space in the centre console.

Although Golf also presents as a wagon, only the hatch has been discussed for NZ and while the range of powertrains spans diesel and an electric-assisted plug-in hybrid, these have not been mentioned. The fully electric e-Golf has been retired because VW now makes the ID line of electric cars, though these are not set to reach NZ until at least the end of 2022.

Golf R will land toward the end of 2021.

In sickness or in health – what’s the impact of Covid on car distributors?

Look around many new car dealerships and it seems clear some are running short of stock. So how hard hit are distributors?

TEN days ago Toyota New Zealand’s chief executive acknowledged the effects of Covid-19, closed borders and delayed shipping and logistics into NZ are “severely” impacting on all operational areas of his business. 

Which means? Specifically, said Neeraj Lala, availability of most new popular Toyota models is impacted. Many popular models are subject to waiting lists, with potential for delays to continue into the middle of next year.

This was not news to MotoringNZ. From mid-year, we’ve been reporting the emergent issues stemming from Covid-19, notably that the big unexpected run in new car sales had severely depleted the national stockpile.

Toyota’s bold admission raised a question: Would the market leader’s bold and frank attitude encourage others to lend insight into their own situations?

Turns out they needed some encouragement. Last Thursday this writer contacted a slew of brands distributors – not all, but mainly the higher-profile players - as well the national body representing the new vehicle performers, the Motor Industry Association, to gauge their mood. The specific questions were: “What is the situation for your brand(s); what policies are in place and what message can you send your customers?”

Some provided in-depth responses. Some said they would not comment. Several did not respond at all. 

First, those who were happy to offer insight: 

Audi New Zealand, general manager Dean Sheed: 

“The issue is threefold.

First, local demand post Covid is stronger than anyone anticipated and what is arriving was ordered and forecasted four months ago – hence we are running down local (dealer and importer stock).

“ Also, factories can’t ramp up instantly – it takes time and the shipping takes six to eight weeks. We forecast a more balanced situation in March, 2021. 

“Also, though this has less impact, shipping is not back to 100 percent capacity. The shipping companies are not sailing all ships yet, hence capacity constrained. 

“Our messaging to customers is simple. ‘Don’t expect the dealer network to have the perfect car for you in the feature level you desire in stock. You may need to compromise if you want it today and are not planned.’ 

“We have launched a “new car” all dealer stock search locator on our website to assist with consumers finding a car – not due to this situation but for a better customer experience – in addition to the usual “used car” locator. https://search.audi.co.nz/new

“Many premium customers still like to order their specific car to their specification. That’s business as usual for us.”

Ford New Zealand, managing director Simon Rutherford: 

“At Ford we have seen higher than anticipated levels of demand across our range – especially on Ranger, Everest, all-new Puma and Escape as evidenced by increased shares of those segments.  

“Our dealers are at historically low levels of stock and our supply chain is more under strain from COVID demand recovery and sales across multiple markets than COVID supply chain issues specifically although they are a factor when you have a 4-6 month lead time(dependent on source) from order to arrival in market. 

“We would love to have more stock on the ground right now to support our customers and minimise the order to delivery time for our customers – they are having to wait longer than we would like.

“Thankfully, we have good supply “on the water” and are getting the support we need to gain additional production capacity/allocation where needed from our various plants around the world ranging across the US, Germany, Spain, Romania, Turkey and Thailand.

“We have strong order-banks going into January and on vehicles lines such as Puma where supply is tight (only 13 unregistered in market today) we are only allocating future arrival vehicles to dealers on the basis of a signed customer order.
“We have seen further disruption at the port which is a further factor impacting delivery of vehicles already built. The COVID challenges are far from over as we anticipate further disruption with supply chain capacities being squeezed by markets competing for capacity, supplier capacity ramp up challenges and distribution capacity hampering the movement of parts globally to support production and service operations. Container shortages, air freight capacity and port disruption are not new but they become more pronounced when demand is in recovery. 

“We have been working closely with our dealers to support customers with loan cars if their vehicle is off road to ensure they are kept mobile over the holidays and have placed additional loan cars at dealers.

“We track and publish vehicle ETA’s to our dealers and provide our customers with their order details so they know they have an allocated unit on the way.  

“At Ford we’re here to help so we encourage our customers to keep in touch and we’ve got their back – we thank them for their patience and understanding.” 

Mitsubishi Motors NZ, chief operating officer Daniel Cook: 

“There are two major factors influencing our new vehicle stock levels, supply and demand.

“On the supply side, we are experiencing only minor supply shortages out of the Mitsubishi factories, due to the impact on global supply chains. 

“There is also a challenge getting vehicles onto boats, and offloaded in a timely fashion due to the severe congestion at ports globally as general consumer demand resumes. This is being accentuated by the Christmas retail period in NZ.  

“Overall, our stock levels are lower than normal, however we are still receiving good deliveries, and in December alone we will have over 1500 units land, which is much more than a month’s supply. 

 “Most customers are presently waiting a month for their choice of vehicle and seem understanding of the shipping issues facing all importers.”

In respect to demand?

“Right now, we are experiencing unprecedented customer demand for our vehicles. Over the past two months (October and November) our retail sales have increased significantly on 2019, and are now limited only by our ability to supply everything our customers want.

 “Our brand is doing exceptionally well this year, due to our great value offerings, relatively strong stock levels and introduction of new models like Eclipse Cross and Express van. We are strongly growing market-share, peaking at 11 percent last month.

“I expect stock will remain tight over the next six months as our growth continues.”

Subaru New Zealand, managing director  Wallis Dumper

“We have been running a just in time process for decades that has fostered strong customer service and expectations plus naturally held residual values.

“ Covid19 had potential to be devastating. It did have an immediate impact and ‘just in time’ potentially became ‘just too many’. Like everyone else, we predicted the market would slow or even stop due to Covid.

“We were wrong in that assumption. The impact was not as bad as envisaged after the initial lockdown was over.

 “But then the world impacts started to hit us via factory allocation shortages - so we have endured massive impact by other larger scale markets influence on the Japan factory supply.

“We have had months with not enough cars but now the good news is our new model launches in 2021 have been supported by a Subaru Corporation allocation promise. 

“Based on this allocation all we can do is plan accordingly and maximise any opportunity to secure any extra stock that might become available.

“We are optimistic that we will get what the factory have promised us thus our hope is to launch the new models, like our completely new Outback, successfully and be able to deliver what customers order.

“We will strive to hold our position as the No.11 distributor in the world for Subaru. Despite all the impacts Subaru in New Zealand with only five million Kiwis is still selling more Subarus than countries like the UK with 60 million.

“My guess is that there will be various model shortages from time to time in 2021 as a result of our scale which is simply not able to influence things like a downturn in massive scale markets impact on the factory production.

 “We even launched our hybrids e-Boxer models in the middle of the year despite lockdowns. We are fortunate that we go into 2021 with all models being of the  21MY model designation so that’s XV and Forester and Impreza and WRX, already arriving for 2021. 

“It is all looking okay and reality is that I think other brands might start copying our business model of having customers forward order their brand new vehicle in the specific model choice knowing its  … actually brand new fresh off the factory floor.

“Then we will start planning for 2022 as my guess is there will be more exciting All Wheel Drive Subaru models on the way and we will make sure we get a solid factory allocation for our loyal Kiwi customers and strive to keep all those Kiwis in our business and Subaru dealers nationwide employed too.”

Volkswagen NZ, general manager Greg Leet.

“The Volkswagen brand, like other vehicle manufactures, is experiencing supply constraints due to the impact of Covid-19 in Europe.

“Thankfully it is a very different situation here in NZ.

“We have been fortunate that the timing has coincided with the run out of the Golf and the launch of the all-new Golf 8 (expected to land in February). The same situation with Tiguan, as we run down the current model with the arrival of the new facelift in February.  

“Our German colleagues have managed the situation well and as a consequence we have picked up production of other models from other markets effected with further lockdown measures.  

“Supply matching demand is key to our brand, we have seen a re-set of the industry in 2020 with stocks in such short supply and I would predict manufacturers will focus heavily on this moving forward.  

“We are very thankful to our loyal Volkswagen customers who have been understanding of the stock limitations. 2021 is very looking very positive with new stock arriving and we are seeing a big appetite for these new models, with a large number of customers pre-registering their interest.

Motor Industry Association, chief executive David Crawford:

“Stock arriving now was ordered three to seven months ago.

 “Factors affecting supply are that markets are stronger now than when the vehicles were ordered, so demand has exceeded supply; that the source markets are still experiencing partial shut down at some factories (this disruption is reoccurring when outbreaks of Covid-19 occur in source markets) and that shipping capacity has been constrained, timeliness disrupted and so on. 

“I would expect to see this pattern continue until the vaccine takes hold and Covid-19 comes under control. It may take to the end of 2021 to settle down properly. 

“None of this is a surprise, apart from stronger NZ demand for cars. We predicted the current hiccups in supply back in April. 

“Stronger demand has come from the $4 billion Kiwis usually spend on overseas’ travel each year instead going on cars, bikes, boats, caravans, home renovations and so on.

Hyundai New Zealand offered a single sentence response: “Certain models have been affected at certain times due to the global ramification of COVID, thus reducing production supply, however we have had and continue to have a steady supply of stock coming in.”

BMW NZ, Mercedes Benz NZ and Kia Motors NZ declined opportunity to take part. Ateco NZ (Alfa Romeo, Fiat Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, Maserati), Mazda NZ and Volvo Cars NZ did not respond.

E-Class update brings more smarts

The facelifted line arrives next month, with an enticing AMG sedan continuing as pack leader.

REST assured, it’s still endowed with ample horsepower and athleticism, still among the fastest sports sedans on the market.

So, when Mercedes-AMG attests that the biggest change arriving with the mid-life update for the E 63 AMG super-sedan is ‘enhanced everyday comfort’, you needn’t worry: A less edgy ride quality is the only outcome. Otherwise it’s still very much on pole as a performance icon.

The new $239,900 edition, above, heads up a revised E-Class lineup that includes five other derivatives, all with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol in various states of tune.

These range from the E200 sedan and Coupe with 145kW/320Nm that respectively set you back $106,600 and $108,500, the 220kW/400Nm E350 in $137,900 Coupe and $149,000 Cabriolet formats, plus the E 300e sedan, in which the engine pairs with electric assist. The (155 kW/350 Nm) engine is supplemented by a plug-in electric motor (90 kW/440 Nm) via the same nine-speed auto as in all the other variants. Total system output is 235 kW/700Nm. With the onboard battery topped up using the standard Type 2 charging cable, a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 2.2 litres per 100 km (ADR) is possible, Mercedes Benz NZ claims. This is a $146,100 car.

It’s a strong lineup, but Benz buyer trend tends to gravitate toward the strongest performer, so the arrival of AMG’s foil for the BMW M5 that has also recently revised will be eagerly anticipated, not least because Benz has made clear that the high-performance products it has now will certainly be the last to run this 4.0-litre twin turbo V8.

The New Zealand distributor isn’t wasting the opportunity to see this car out in style; as with the previous generation, it has opted only for the more powerful S trim of the E63, and only in a sedan body.

Power for the AMG S remains unchanged at 450kW/850Nm, sent through a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system.

The updated car is identified by it achieving a larger centre air intake on the front bumper, an AMG grille with vertical louvres and reshaped LED headlights. A wind-splitter and new, more functional air intakes up front add styling and also “significantly reduce lift” at the front of the car, according to Mercedes-AMG.

The standard 20-inch wheels are wider on the front of the revised E63 S, accommodated by wheel arches measuring 27mm wider than the outgoing model.

A revised rear bumper and diffuser, tail light and tailpipe trim design refreshes the rear end.

New colour offerings including graphite grey metallic, high-tech silver metallic and brilliant blue magno are available for the exterior of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S.

Inside, the AMG-specific Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats receive integrated head restraints, with the dashboard and door trim sections also finished in grey Nappa leather.

Across all updated E-Class models is Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, which features on dual 12.25-inch screens, with one acting as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment control.

The MBUX interface comes equipped with advanced voice control Mercedes claims can understand “nearly all sentences” related to infotainment and vehicle operation.

Each model in the range is equipped with a new, comprehensively digitalised generation of steering wheel, integrating an array of controllers – plus, for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz, “hands-on detection” is enabled via sensor mats integrated into the steering wheel rim.

Another new feature is MBUX Interior Assistant, which is standard on the E63 and optionally available on other models (excluding Cabriolets) as part of an innovation package. This allows actuation of some cabin functions by intuitively detecting hand movements from either the driver or passenger using a camera in the overhead console. For example, a hand gesture toward the centre touchscreen can change the media display or highlight individual elements. Or, a reading lamp can be switched on by extending a hand towards the interior mirror.

An Augmented Reality display is able to be specified for the first time; it’s a feature of the Vision Package and Innovation Package, again optional on all but the E63. Augmented Reality intuitively overlays navigational signals and key driving assistance information directly onto a forward camera view displayed on the central navigation screen.

Alfa updates Giulia, Stelvio

Less choice and admission prices rise, but tech also improves

 ALFISITI considering a Giulia sedan and Stelvio sports utility will be less stressed about decision-making from now on, with arrival of a mid-life facelift allowing the distributor to slim down each model line.

The lines now each present with just two choices of engine, both petrols, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 206kW and 400Nm and a 2.9-litre V6, with two turbos, that creates 375kW/600Nm.

Common derivative names also span the two families; so the base car in each is now a Veloce Carbon, while the flagships continue with the Quadrifoglio nameplate.

With the previous $69,990 Giulia Super and $79,990 Veloce having been dropped, the entry ticket to Giulia driving starts at $89,990. In Stelvio, the Diesel ($77,990), Petrol ($74,990), and Ti ($94,990) have all been removed from consideration. So the least expensive model is now a $99,990 choice.

The Quadrifoglio Giulia holds the same $139,990 sticker as it predecessor while the Stelvio flagship costs $5000 more.

Both cars have modest exterior styling revisions and the biggest common point of difference in their cabins is a new infotainment interface paired to an 8.8-inch touchscreen.

 Giulia picks up lane keep assist, blind spot assist, autonomous emergency braking and radar cruise control.

Yaris subject to two recalls

Seatbelt issue, hybrid drivetrain fault affects hundreds of cars.

TWO unrelated recalls within a week have befallen a recently-released Toyota model that was in the running for the country’s top motoring award. 

Subject to the actions is the latest Yaris, in a hatchback form that was under consideration for New Zealand Car of the Year 2020, an award that subsequently went to the Mercedes EQC, and an elevated crossover version, called Yaris Cross, that has just followed it into the showroom. 

A recall notified today requires replacement of rear centre seatbelts in 392 examples of the Yaris Cross.

This follows an action notified two days ago that dedicates to the Yaris hatch and Yaris Cross with a mild hybrid drivetrain and centres on a transmission issue that might cause affected cars to stop suddenly. 

The latter action involves some 513 cars. 

Both faults require dealership repair but the latter is particularly time consuming.

The brand has identified that the remedy requires a repair estimated to take nine hours’ workshop time, because it entails removing the engine in order to reach the affected component, an input damper within the transmission.

The fault raises as a potential for abnormal slippage of the transaxle damper when the driver accelerates rapidly. If this occurs, the vehicle’s warning lights will turn on and there is potential for the hybrid system to enter a ‘fail safe’ mode, Toyota says, that curtails the electric involvement.  

The affected models were manufactured from October 2019 to September 2020. A remedy has been implemented on models manufactured since.

Stinger update arrives

No more kapow, some extra kit and a $5000 price increase with either engine.

A SINGLE turbo four-cylinder GT Line and a fuller-blooded GT Sport with the headline twin-turbo V6 now comprise the choice of Stinger sedans offered by Kia NZ.

The range’s reduction from three models to just two, with a previous EX Turbo version being dropped, comes with an update that leaves the entry engine unaltered and the V6 achieving slightly more power – but no extra torque – and otherwise introduces some content updates, styling revisions and the sting of $5000 price increases for each.

The GT Line model, with the 182kW/353Nm 2.0-litre, now costs $64,990 while the GT Sport has become a $74,990 opportunity. The 3.3-litre engine now produces 274kW – 2kW more than previously – and continues to generate 510Nm.

Each engine marries to an eight-speed automatic.

The GT Sport achieves new standard bi-model exhaust and limited slip differential, a fresh wheel design and Nappa leather.

Both cars update to a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, featuring a refined interface and improved reverse camera.

Common to both are an eight-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, a sunroof, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and mood lighting.

The safety suite enhances to include safe exit warning, semi-autonomous highway driving assist (a combo of radar cruise and lane-keep assist working in unison), cyclist detection, rear occupant alert, and blind-spot view monitor (beaming an image from the wing mirror onto the primary infotainment screen).

Subaru NZ limbers up for next Outback

New platform, new equipment – probably not the new turbo engine.

CHRISTMAS is coming in late February for Subaru, this being when it will launch the next generation of a sales stalwart, the Outback.

An announcement today about the car’s release timing doesn’t spoil any element of surprise in respect to the kind of car we’re getting.

Subaru’s habit of releasing this model in North America well ahead of other markets continued with the sixth-generation line.  

The latest high-riding station wagon has been on sale Stateside for more than 12 months, with the world getting its first look when it was revealed at the 2019 Detroit motor show.

The recipe is highly familiar: A high-riding wagon powered by a flat-four petrol engine, married to a constantly variable transmission and always driving all four wheels, with styling that is very derivative of the outgoing car’s look, though the body is slightly larger and roomier and the car bases on a new underpinning, the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) that debuted with the latest Impreza.

Subaru NZ’s managing director Wallis Dumper says the car has benefitted from continuous innovation, “which has resulted in the biggest, safest, most luxurious and technologically advanced Outback ever.”

“It’s safe to say this new generation Outback has undergone a serious transformation. Our rugged All-Wheel Drive adventurer is already our most popular Subaru and we are excited to unlock further potential in this completely new Outback.”

The big question is respect to the technology will be in respect to what’s under the bonnet.

What’s still to be clarified is whether there’s potential for our line-up to include the turbo petrol engine offered in North America as an alternate to the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder that carries over for another term, but with refinements.

Chances are … no. The car’s other significant right-hand-drive market, Australia, has confirmed today that all its variants will be powered by the naturally-aspirated unit.

Outputs likely to mirror those of the North American-market, 2.5-litre Outback, which develops 135kW of power and 238Nm of torque, so 6kW and 3Nm more than the current engine provisions. The turbo, meantime, is a 193kW/360Nm offer.

The car has an uprated towing capacity of 2000kg – an increase of 25 percent over the current model – and also delivers a 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, alongside nappa leather-accented seat trim. 

Safety and technology is almost expected to be a feature of the new model, including the latest generation of the company's 'EyeSight' driver assist system, and the driver monitoring system as per the Forester. 

Other available technologies are expected to include forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and a 360-degree camera.

The model adopts as standard the updated X-Mode selectable terrain response system that has featured in the current Outback X. This combines driver-selectable drive modes for terrain and weather management with differential locks and hill descent control to simplify and improve capability on non-optimal driving surfaces.

Octavia onslaught with wagon, conventional engines

Skoda New Zealand has finally been able to shared its proposal for a sales stalwart.

WAGON versions will take the load of expectation hefted by the new Octavia medium car in this market. 

Skoda New Zealand has today announced three load-all variants – Combis in Skoda-speak - all with conventional powerplants.

In addition to not offering thought about the potential for another liftback – though it’s understood this version could still show, but as an indent-order car - it has steered clear of mentioning when or if it might secure the hybrid editions – topped by one with plug-in recharging - that are now claiming the spotlight overseas.

The New Zealand line starts with a $47,990 110kW 1.4-litre eight-speed entry Style model and progresses to a new RS that, at $57,990 is slightly cheaper than the equivalent in the previous range, whose stock has been exhausted for some months. The new RS runs a 180kW 2.0-litre and seven-speed transmission and, like the Style, is front-drive.

These are coming in March – about three months later than the timing local general manager Rodney Gillard had hoped to achieve and a timeline that is still fluid, due to the uncertainty about coronavirus impact on production and shipping.   

When speaking about the car immediately in the wake of its international debut, back in April, Gillard had voiced optimism of an end-of-2020 entry.

Those variants will be followed at some point in the second quarter by a four-wheel-drive Scout also with the 2.0-litre and with 15mm additional ground clearance and beefed styling cues. 

Octavia has been the brand’s biggest volume model internationally and has good history here, being the car that re-introduced Kiwis to Skoda in its new-generation (meaning, VW-owned) format.

This latest car, the fourth in its generation, is based on the MQB Evo platform that’s also used by the rest of VW Group’s latest compacts. 

It remains a generously-sized vehicle. Being 19mm longer than its forebear ensures this Octavia accounts for a 4689mm space in a car park. The wheelbase has remained unchanged at 2686 mm. It’s also 15mm wider, at 1829mm. 

Skoda cites it having markedly more interior space than the current model, giving a cargo volume of 600 litres before the rear seats are lowered. 

The new gen delivers big improvements is driving assistance technology. New systems include Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist, Exit Warning and Local Traffic Warning, among other features.  

 The interior is also more advanced technologically, but Skoda here might be going light on this as well.

The announcement today talks of even a head up display being optional and it is not clear if the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel that avails overseas as an alternate to an orthodox display will feature.

The plug-in hybrid will doubtless be asked about; it achieves a 150kW output from pairing the 1.4 petrol engine with an electric motor and 13 kWh battery. All that, and an EV driving range of up to 60km in the WLTP cycle. If that’s not good enough, there’s also the new Octavia RS iV plug-in hybrid which offers 180kW and a similar EV driving range.

Subaru confirms electric vehicle, NZ distributor keen

Auckland office has sought more info about car, a co-development with Toyota.

Subaru shared this image today

EUROPE will be served first, but if Subaru’s new battery-electric SUV ever becomes available for New Zealand use, the distributor will be an eager adopter.

That’s the word today from Subaru New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper in reaction to head office in Japan acknowledging its first electric vehicle is under development.

“We would definitely be interested in anything electric, particularly anything electric that comes in four-wheel-drive,” he said in reaction to the unfolding news about the car.

“We will seriously consider anything with an ‘e’ association to it.”

A sports utility, similar in size to the Forester, the new model will be built on a new bespoke electric vehicle platform shared with Toyota.

Intention is to launch it in the first half of this decade, although it's tipped it to be revealed next year.

Because it will be built on an electric-only architecture, it's expected to get a new name; Japanese media are reporting that it will be called Evoltis, which surprises Dumper.

He points out that name is already used for a Latin America-market version of Ascent, the large seven-seater SUV that Subaru only makes in left-hand-drive and aims primarily at North America. 

Toyota announced its involvement in the EV co-operation last week, including that the platform will be known as e-TNGA and that it will develop a RAV4-sized battery-reliant car.

The architecture is designed to be highly adaptable to allow for vehicles of different lengths and can be used for front-, rear- and four-wheel-drive layouts, thanks to the ability to fit motors to both axles. It can also accept multiple battery sizes.

While not confirmed by either firm, the new Subaru EV is likely to be 'twinned' with that Toyota machine, according to the website for British motoring weekly, Autocar.

Beyond the use of the shared platform, Subaru has released no further technical details of the new EV, saying that it will divulge more details in 2021.

Dumper says he can be of no assistance either – the announcement to media today has been the only official word. He’d like to know more and that view has been shared with Japan. 

Earlier this year, Subaru displayed an electric concept car (above) at a technology briefing in January, and it's expected that the eventual production EV will take styling cues from it.

Subaru’s first EV is a major step in its electrification plans. The firm has recently introduced mild-hybrid e-Boxer versions of its XV and Forester and is aiming for at least 40 percent of its global sales to be either electric or hybrid by 2030. 

Dumper says those cars are selling satisfactorily and have also raised consumer interest in Subaru product in general. “If people come in to look at the hybrid but don’t buy it they often buy a non-hybrid version instead.”

Autocar says Subaru had previously planned for its first electric car to be based on an existing model on its own Global Platform, but it changed that concept due to its new partnership with Toyota.

PHEV Tucson’s electric range cited

Plug-in tech a first for popular model, but will it come here?

DETAIL is finally out about one derivative of the new-generation Tucson Hyundai’s New Zealand distributor has yet to officially commit to.

When initial specifications were announced at the new generation Tucson’s international unveiling in September, the make only spoke about the purely fossil-fuelled drivetrains.

The Tucson plug-in hybrid will likely be of more interest, however, and not simply because of the growing consumer interest in electrically-assisted drivetrains. It is also a breakthrough for this brand. 

The set-up comprises a 1.6-litre T-GDI turbo petrol four-cylinder engine with a 66.9kW electric motor, and a 13.8kWh battery. Combined, the powertrain produces 197kW and 350Nm of torque. The electric motor on its own develops a peak of 304Nm. 

The Tucson plug-in hybrid drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

It also incorporates some trick aerodynamics. Behind that complex radiator grille, there's an active air intake flap, that opens and closes as needed, improving air-flow into and around the car, depending on how much cooling the engine needs.

 A range of drive modes are on offer, the Tucson's standard mode driving the wheels via the electric motor alone at low speeds, with the combustion engine switching on at higher velocities or when rapid acceleration is required.

Hyundai reckons that the Tucson plug-in's electric-only range will be more than 50km on the WLTP cycle' but the final figure is to be confirmed.

There's a 7.2kW on-board charging system, so it'll charge reasonably briskly from either a home wallbox or a public charger. CO2 emissions figures haven't yet been issued. 

Though Hyundai describes the 13.8kWh lithium-polymer battery as being mounted on the underbody, this installation and the fuel tank has eaten into boot space a little.

While the conventional petrol-engined Tucson that Hyundai New Zealand has confirmed it will introduce in the first quarter of 2021 has a 620-litre boot, the plug-in model has to make do with 558 litres. That luggage space expands 1737 litres with the rear seats folded. 

That four-wheel drive system comes with HTRAC terrain response technology, and there's optional adaptive dampers for the suspension.

The PHEV's interior is all-but-identical to the standard, non-hybrid model, save for a handful of hybrid-specific displays for the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Hyundai BlueLink smartphone app also gains the ability to monitor the Tucson's lithium-polymer battery's state of charge, as well as manage charging settings.

In the safety department, exclusive to the plug-in Tucson is Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, a low-speed reverse autonomous emergency braking system that detects and notifies the driver of hazards behind the moving vehicle, and applies the brakes if necessary.

The new Santa Fe is also set to present to NZ next year in a plug-in hybrid format, as well as in mild hybrid.

Cupra quartet for 2021 release

Three all-new cars are set to land mid-year, plus an updated Ateca arriving next month.

The Cupra family of 2021

PRICING and arrival timing for the next crop of cars from Cupra, the performance arm of Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand element, SEAT, has been announced. 

An update of the Ateca sports utility that has been flying the flag for Cupra for more than a year will be a pathfinder for the main group, with expectation of release next month. 

Three all-new models – the Formentor, the Leon hatch and Leon Sportstourer – are schedule to arrive in June, though that timing is dependent on ongoing effects of the coronavirus on car making and shipping.  

When notifying intention for Cupra today, local brand boss James Yates also reminded that Germany has just gone into a hard lockdown, not expected to lift until early January.

As is, Covid-19 has already caused the distributor, part of Giltrap Group, to delay these announcements for a marque that is intended become the lead product type for private buyers while SEAT product will be presented more toward fleet and rental use.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, thanks to the imprint made by the Ateca in its current form, Cupra is resonating with New Zealanders at a level that leaves Yates confident is a brand that will achieve more focus once the family enlarges. 

“If these three new models replicate the Cupra Ateca’s success, we’ll be seeing a lot of car buyers in New Zealand re-thinking their badge allegiances.” 

Formentor is expected to be the volume and image leader

A striking sports utility coupe, Formentor is the first Cupra car designed exclusively for that make – the others being re-engineered and style editions of VW cars – and is expected to become the volume king.

It will stand to offer a point of difference on more than just the impressive looks: By late next year there’ll be a hybrid version with front-wheel drive that uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to produce 150kW.

In June, however, the focus is on two all-wheel-drive (4Drive in Cupra-speak) models with orthodox petrol drivetrains, in 140kW and 228kW formats, for $54,900 and $68,900 respectively, precluding on-roads. No pricing has been set for the e-Hybrid yet.

The Formentor is based on VW Group’s MQB Evo platform. Yates proposes that styling resembles that of a rugged all-terrain vehicle, but the car’s exterior design features bring a lighter contrast to the vehicle’s silhouette. A striking ingredient of the interior is a panoramic 12-inch floating infotainment screen.

The Formentor has recently entered production for European markets, and it is made at the brand’s facilities in Martorell, on the outskirts of Barcelona.

Yates also believes the Leon models – $59,900 in hatch and $6000 more as a Sportstourer - might also deliver decent penetration, pointing out that sporty station wagons are rare fare. The Sportstourer has no direct equal among other Group brand represented here.

“New Zealand’s growing affection for SUV’s, means there is a distinct shortage of exciting station-wagon models available … those priced well under $100,000 any way.”

He says this model’s 228kW 4Drive setup will catapult the car safely from standstill to 100 kmh in less than five seconds and cites that, as result of being more hunkered than an SUV, it will offer a more dynamic driving experience.

The Leon comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with four different pre-sets (Comfort, Normal, Sport and CUPRA) and the Sportstourer’s 620 litre cargo space is considerably larger than those offered by the Ateca (485 litres) and the Formentor (420 litres).

Meantime, the updated Ateca can be identified by styling revisions inside and out. The $66,900 model retains the current car’s 221kW/400Nm turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and seven-speed auto. It will achieve 100kmh in 4.9s from a standing start. 

Meantime, Cupra’s first electric car, the el-Born, seems still likely to release here in 2022. Based on the same underpinnings as Volkswagen’s ID.3 hatchback and ID.4 SUV, the model has an official range of 498km on the WLTP test cycle.

X marks Sport Plus spot

A new name and fresh look for the mid-level model in the Forester family

IT’S the story of a middle child who figured becoming an extrovert was the best route to drawing more attention to themselves. 

Such change has emphatically come to the Forester Sport Plus that, after, three years in the market, has patently had enough of being known as the quiet one. It undergone a makeover that’s left it with a new name, a more extrovert look and impression of a more rebellious attitude.

What is from now on the Forester X Sport will deliver with a styling pack that Subaru NZ describes as delivering “a special X-factor that helps you get from A to X.”

The core features are a new style of 18-inch alloy, in black, plus a host of orange accents – the front, side, rear under guard and roof rails all get the orange treatment, while on the interior, the orange features extend to the trim stitching and the gear selector surround. X Sport buyers have a choice of six different exterior colours, including the dark blue of the car in today’s photographs – this being a hue specific to this version.

The name change is made permanent by it taking X Sport badging, and with Subaru also now retiring the Sport Plus designation, though in respect to equipment level, everything from the old variant carries into the new, and the price unaltered, so still $47,490.

Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper has confidence this make-over will pull extra focus toward the derivative,  including those that may not have considered a Subaru before and are looking for a distinctive SUV.

“The Forester X Sport is a capable SUV with performance aesthetics. This winning combination of both style and substance will no doubt appeal, particularly to those that require the practicality of an SUV and are shopping for something sporty that sets them apart from the crowd,” he says.

The equipment provision includes an 8 inch touch screen infotainment system, satellite navigation and push button start. Water repellent seat fabric continues.

The enhancement times with Subaru having raised Forester towing capacity by 300kg to 1800kg braked in all models, excepting the e-Boxer Hybrid.

ID check: Why VW’s high-powered effort is so tasty

VW’s electric push is global, but NZ is not yet on the A-list. After seeing what’s on offer, you might wish we were.

The eye-catching ID Buzz concept of 2017 is coming out in 2017 as the ID.7. Let’s hope NZ catches this wave.

THE sooner Kiwis get into the new electric vehicle habit, the sooner they will likely get to enjoy a slew of battery-reliant cars set to unleash from Volkswagen. 

That’s long been the indication from VW’s national distributor, which makes clear that markets that show most support for mains-supported models tend to achieve priority from this maker. 

We’re seeing it already; as is well known, this maker is well into a massive EV ambition; investment of around $122 billion in development of EVs and other new technologies over the next five years has been signed off and hardly a week goes by when yet another car in its bespoke electric family, called the ID range, doesn’t seem to pop up.

ID looks brilliant for NZ; but NZ – for all the attraction of being a world-leader in generation of ‘Green’ renewable electricity (thanks to our rich hydro, geothermal, wind and solar resource) – is not yet brilliant for VW.

The reasons why the e-Golf that has modestly plugged VW electric potentials for the past two years has retired with no direct replacement not set to land until the end of 2022 are multifold, but essentially VW is prioritising places where it has to be or where market opportunity is so obvious it cannot afford not to involve.

Europe is top of the list because of tough European Union emissions fleet-wise standards. Electric cars are a vital off-set to achieving CO2 targets. Failure will mean huge fines.

The second is the gold mine. China is VW’s largest single export market – it’s also the world’s largest EV market. VW is putting a lot of focus into launching eight ID models into China by 2023.  

More recently, it is paying attention to the increasing number of countries, of which the United Kingdom is probably the best known to us, that have set dates for the switch to zero emission-only cars.

These and other reasons – the impact of coronavirus on production, the fact that VW’s electric cars come out of a handful of factories, the limitations in making enough batteries - is why VW New Zealand boss Greg Leet expressed opinion a month ago that he expects “late 2022” is now the best bet for when NZ will start seeing ID cars on sale here.

That’s a huge frustration not least because other makes in the VW family that also have electric cars off the common ID platform (called MEB) are less constrained, to the point their own cars are almost certain to beat the ‘originals’ to local sale. For Skoda, that’s the Enyaq, for SEAT the E-Born and for Audi, which is already establishing increasing presence with its big e-trons, that’ll be the Q4 e-tron.

Regardless, when ID does arrive, we can expect to see an explosion of choice – VW has a much wider choice of MEB-based electric models than any other Group make. 

Let’s go through them:

ID.1 and the ID.2 crossover sister ship are city chic runabouts designed as budget EVs.

ID.1 and ID.2: Respectively a supermini and compact crossover intended to sit alongside the combustion-engined Polo and T-Cross respectively that will hit production in 2023 and introduce on a ‘lite’ version of the MEB platform. 

These models have a firm urban, short journey focus so will run smaller batteries, up to 45kWh, and also sell in a lower price bracket. 

Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstatter intends pricing start at as low as $NZ33,400 in Europe, so $15,000 cheaper than the least expensive wholly electric new car here at the moment, the MG-ZS.

Already here as a parallel import, but not set to be repesented in NZ-new form, the ID.3 is selling well in Europe and the UK.

ID.3: The first of the family to hit production, a hatchback as important, in VW Germany’s view, as the Beetle and the original Golf.

It’s a core car, already well settled into European sale and doing well straight out of the box: In September, it comprehensively the Telsa Model to be Europe’s top-selling EV.

Right-hand drive production for the United Kingdom has begun, so conceivably were cars available, we could source from there. However, although grey importers seem keen to do so (there’s at least one here already), VW NZ has no plans for ID.3, mainly because it is concerned there will be insufficient consumer interest in an electric hatch.

Still, perhaps VW NZ will review if either ID.3 production frees up, or the private imports sell well or if it likes the cut of ongoing developments for ID.3, rolling out from next year. The core improvement is a modest increase in range – the 77kWh edition will gain an additional 38km, taking overall range to 570km, due in part to software improvements and advances in thermal management and cell efficiency.

ID.4 will be the first of the family to be sold by VW New Zealand … at the end of 2022.

ID.4: Revealed in September and closely based on the ID Crozz concept from 2017, this car is more than being simply a crossover version of the ID.3 – it’s the product onto which VW has pinned most international aspiration.

It debuts as Volkswagen's first all-electric SUV – making it a more obvious option for buyers looking to haul their family around in zero-emissions style than the ID.3, VW NZ believes.

At 4.58 metres long, it positions between the regular Tiguan (4486mm) and the stretched seven-seat Tiguan Allspace (4701mm). Specific interior figures are still to come, but VW claims the cabin will have the same sort of room normally the province of larger SUVs (because, no need for drivetrain packaging; it’s a flat-floored environment). Luggage space comes to 543 litres with the rear seats up and 1575 litres when folded flat. For context, the Tiguan lists 615/1775 litres and the Tiguan Allspace 230/1655.

In its initial form, motivation will be provided by a 150kW/309Nm electric motor drawing power from a 77kWh battery pack, with a WLTP-verified driving range of up to 520 kilometres.

However, VW has recently confirmed intent to add a ID.4 GTX, due to hit right-hand-drive production in mid-2021. GTX is VW-speak for ‘performance electric’; the ID.4 in this format will be dual motor (whereas the standard car s rear motor), so all-wheel-drive, with 225kW and 460Nm. VW is talking 0-100kmh in 6.2 seconds – so, 2.3s quicker than the standard rear-drive ID.4 - a top speed of around 190kmh and a range of up to 460km on a standard 82kWh battery.

Charging on a 120kW DC connection can get the ID.4 to 320km range in 30 minutes, while the 11kW on-board charger can deliver 53km of range in about an hour. 

ID.5 is a fastback ID.4, the styling expected to mirror that of the ID Crozz concept of 2017, seen here

ID.5: Based heavily on the ID.4, but with a coupe-style body. Effectively, then, VW’s equivalent of the Audi Q4. VW gave an indication of the look with a concept, the ID Crozz Coupe. The drivetrain has yet to be revealed, yet most pundits are picking it’ll mirror the ID.4’s. VW has indicated rear-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

ID.6 will represent as a sedan as well as in the station wagon form seen here, in its ID Space Vizzion concept form.

ID.6: Actually two cars, a sedan and a station wagon. Also in production from next year, these are derived from the ID Vizzion and ID Space Vizzion concepts, most latterly known as the Aero A and Aero B, are based on an updated MEB platform and will arrive in 2023.

The concepts featured an 82kWh battery pack however it’s thought a 111kWh battery could become available, to provide up to 700km of WLTP-rated range.

A rear-mounted 359kW electric motor will standard while some versions will add another electric motor on the front axle to increase output to 449kW. 

VW has suggested the production editions will largely stay true to the look and format of the concepts it showed off at the 2019 Los Angele Motor Show.

As much as station wagons have become a niche choice because of consumer shift to SUVs with similar spaciousness and practicality, that sharp aesthetic is one reason why the car is worth having, says Brandstatter.

The stronger aerodynamic advantage from a lower-slung wagon is the reason why the car can achieve its range, he says.

“Its aerodynamic design ensures a top drag coefficient and an extremely attractive high-tech look. A feast for the senses — and for all tech and design fans.” 

The concept has a very swish interior that Brandstatter has suggested will also be enjoyed by customers, with comment that the production equivalent will have a cabin as noble and spacious as that of the Phaeton – VW’s thwarted attempt at an unlimited luxury vehicle that released in 2002 and failed to resonate.

ID.7 is the production version of the ID Buzz, inspired by one of VW’s most famous models from yesteryear, the Microbus/Kombi.

ID.7: Set to enter production in 2022, this is the model that has every VW fan particularly excited, if just because of the styling.

The ID Buzz passenger and IZ Buzz Cargo design studies of 2017 that foreshadow the ID.7 plainly draw lots of inspiration from one of VW’s most iconic models, the original Microbus. VW has vowed to keep that spirit alive with the production versions. Conventionally hinged front doors, automatic rear-sliding side doors, wheels up to 21 inches in diameter, according to a recent report by the website for British motoring weekly, Autocar.

ID.7 is destined to be the largest car coming off the MEB underpinning; there are standard and long wheelbase formats. VW has only shared dimension of the first, citing a 4962mm length, 1985mm width and1896mm height.

 The generously dimensioned interior will stretch to 2860mm in length; the passenger model will have seven seats, in three rows.

It’ll be produced in rear or all-wheel-drive and run an 82kWh battery. The large frontal area will impact on range expectation, Brandstatter has warned. “It won’t have 700km but something around 400km.” Still, any sacrifice for this styling is worth it, right?

Autocar reports that ID.7 will provision with the widest range of colour and trim opportunities. Special touches will include a smiling emoji symbol within the door handles, an ice scraper and bottle opener within the front middle stowage box and an umbrella graphic that is made visible within the base of the windscreen when the wipers are in operation.

ID.8 is at this stage just for China and will likely only be built there. This is the ID Roomzz design study from last year’s Shanghai motor show.

 ID.8: A very plush large SUV, purely for China at the moment, derived from the ID Roomzz concept displayed at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show. The concept featured a 82kWh battery and a cited 450km (WLTP) range, with capability of replenishing within 30 minutes to 80 percent of battery capacity on a 150kW (DC) set up.

The design study runs two electric motors a system output of 225 KW, this allowing 0-100kmh in 6.6s and a 180kmh top speed.

Toyota NZ acknowledges vehicle supply issues

No quick fix for stock constraints, market leader warns.

the rav4 hybrid is among models that have become subject to delivery delay

WILL other brands lose reluctance to steer clear of acknowledging how affected they also are by an increasingly obvious problem – diminished new vehicle availability – now that the market’s biggest hitter has opened up about its own situation? 

That rhetorical becomes more valid with Toyota New Zealand’s concession that delivery times for popular models are slowing, to the point where orders are taking more than a month to fulfil.

The Palmerston North-based operator, which still accounts for one quarter of all new passenger vehicle sales nationally even after been hit hardest by the rental car business freeze, has stopped short in comment issued yesterday of being too specific about which model lines are being affected and for specifically how long in respect to individual types.

However, two models it has given as examples of being subject to hold-up – the RAV4 Hybrid and the new Hilux – are among its biggest stars and it has also cited that most of its popular vehicles are subject to some degree of inconvenience.

It also suggests an average wait time of six weeks between orders being lodged and fulfilled is often normal, that deliveries up to March, 2021, are impacted and there is potential for delays to continue until the middle of the year.

“The effects of Covid-19, closed borders and delayed shipping and logistics into New Zealand are severely impacting all operational areas of our business,” says chief executive officer Neeraj Lala.
 
“We have seen greater than a 30 percent reduction in our new and used vehicle sales due to the closure of the borders, and we are forecasting a minimum of 10 years impact to our overall value chain including reduced parts and service.”
 
As much as coronavirus-influenced supply chain disruptions and congested ports are the main cause of vehicle supply delays, TNZ these issues are also exacerbated by high global demand for new Toyota vehicles.

 
There is also further disruption in logistics with global shipping delays impacting new vehicles, used vehicles from Japan and parts, which has an effect on delivery schedules here.
  
Lala says the company is enormously grateful customers are showing patience but accepts that on-going delays will impact future sales as customers become frustrated.
 
“We are doing everything we can, but global demand and supply restrictions combined with shipping delays are fuelling customer frustration. We are providing customers with updates as often as we can but these timeframes are fluid.”
  
“We currently have 3,297 retail orders as at the end of November, which is a good position for Toyota New Zealand to be in but that means 72 percent of vehicles arriving in the country are pre-sold which is unprecedented for Toyota as demand for low emission hybrids continues to surge,” he says.
 

EQC becomes latest NZ COTY star

For a second year running, an electric car wins the nation’s top motoring prize.

Lance Bennett, general manager of Mercedes Benz Cars New Zealand, with the 2020 New Zealand Car of the Year, represented by the Peter Greenslade Trophy, and the EQC.

NEW Zealand Car of the Year 2020 is the Mercedes EQC, the big premium sports utility becoming the third electric vehicle to take this annual accolade.

An award that is in its 33rd year first took an electric turn in 2015, with the BMW i3 being recognised.

Last year the title went to the Jaguar i-Pace, which also operates wholly off the mains.

That run means three of the six most recent winners, including today’s, have been electric.

Richard Edwards, president of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild, the organisation behind New Zealand Car of the Year, says the recognition for the $142,000 Mercedes sends a strong signal about electrification’s place in the future for motoring in New Zealand.

Though all the electric cars to so far gain this recognition have come from premium makes and two sell in the $100,000-plus executive sector, he contends the EQC’s placement is an example of how, in some segments, electric vehicles are nearing price parity with their petrol and diesel counterparts.

“If you look at where the EQC fits into the broader Mercedes-Benz range on size, specification and performance, its price is not out of place at all.”

He also anticipates many more electrified vehicles to follow it as New Zealand Car of the Year and notes that this year’s announcement follows a watershed time, with the Government announcing a ‘Climate Emergency’ and pushing for an increasing uptake of electrified vehicles, including in its own fleets.

The award was decided by a voting process involving two dozen Guild members who actively road test vehicles, with 10 cars making the final cut for consideration.

The others were the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris , Audi Q3, Kia Seltos, Land Rover Defender, Mazda CX-30, Mercedes-Benz GLB, Peugeot 2008 and Skoda Kamiq.

Palisade’s Aus price gives Santa Fe a knock

The Palisade, Hyundai’s new super-large SUV, could present a big deal here if pricing reflects the Australia market strategy.

FAVOURABLE positioning against the just-landed Hyundai Santa Fe could seem a potential for that model’s big brother, the Palisade.

That’s on assumption stickers announced in the only other right-hand-drive market have been a guidance for the NZ distributor.

Hyundai New Zealand has confirmed intent to have the Palisade on sale here next month, but has yet to provision local specifications and prices for what will be the fifth SUV in its line-up and the first to offer eight seats.

It did not respond to a request to offer clarity on where it could stand, but conjecture has been fuelled by announcement of the car’s pricing in Australia.

If transferred here, our neighbour’s strategy would conceivably give the larger model a good start – but perhaps at expense of the Santa Fe, with which it shares a platform, a diesel drivetrain and even a common assembly line in South Korea. 

Across the water, Palisade will sell for the equivalent of $NZ63,850 in entry form and $NZ79,800 in a flagship trim, those recommended retails precluding on-road costs.  

If carried into NZ, that strategy would see a base Palisade siting $50 below the cheapest Santa Fe, but would also leave the top Palisade siting almost $20k beneath the most expensive Santa Fe here, the Limited.

 Australia has decided on an eight-seater entry model, simply called Palisade, and a range-topping version it calls Highlander, available with either seven or eight seats, both in front-drive petrol V6 and four-wheel-drive 2.2-litre turbodiesel.

 New Zealand and Australia are presently the only right-hand-drive markets for the car, which was originally expected to only be sold in North America, so conceivably that’s the full menu for us as well.

It became available for NZ consideration, with sign-off for sale confirmed in June, after Hyundai’s distributor in Australia successfully petitioned Seoul head office to start a right-hand-drive build programme.

Hyundai NZ has previously indicated thought that it sees good potential for Palisade, but has made clear it will not deliver it in as many formats as the Santa Fe. And don’t expect to see the Highlander badge – Toyota NZ obviously already has right to that name for its own SUV. It’ll be a Palisade Limited here, to maintain continuity with Hyundai NZ badging protocols. 

The big selling Palisade has previously been identified as the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel four-wheel-drive. That’s been the top choice for Santa Fe, too. Palisade takes it the virtually identical tune, power output drops by 1kW in Palisade, to 147kW, but torque is identical at 440Nm.

Palisade’s alternate V6 is a 3.8-litre, creating 217kW and 355Nm, whereas Santa Fe runs a 3.5 good for 200kW/331Nm. They all run the same eight-speed automatic transmissions. Only the Santa Fe’s entry petrol, a 2.5-litre, is not in the larger setting.

Hyundai says the Palisade’s V6 uses 10.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, which is just 0.2L.100km worse that the Santa Fe’s claimed optimal. The diesel’s economy suffers in the Palisade – Hyundai cites 7.3L/100km for the larger unit, against 6.1L/100km in a Santa Fe.

The exterior is to Hyundai’s current design language, but reminds of larger American SUVs, according to Australian website CarAdvice.

The entry car runs on 18-inch wheels, the high-end car on 20-inch wheels for the Highlander, together with bi-LED headlights and tail-lights.

Inside, buyers get a choice of black leather with metallic-look trim and a knit headliner in the Palisade, while the high-end model gets burgundy or beige Nappa leather with beech wood-look trim and a suede headliner.

A 10.25-inch infotainment screen featuring satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and multi-connection Bluetooth, which runs through a 12-speaker Infinity premium audio system, is a common fixture.

Due to the expansive cabin, the Palisade also offers 'Driver Talk', which allows the driver to speak to second- and third-row occupants through the car's audio system. The system also has a 'Quiet Mode' which mutes the rear speakers, and sets the front speakers to a low maximum volume.

Front occupants get wireless smartphone charging in the centre console, while second-row passengers have access to USB ports.

As well as three ISOFIX child seat restraints, the Palisade also features four top tether child seat anchor points in the seven-seat Highlander, and five anchor points in eight-seat configuration (all variants). The second-row of seats features one-touch folding to help with third-row loading.

Front occupants get to enjoy heated and ventilated power seats, while the driver gains a 7.0-inch LCD digital instrument cluster. The 10.25-inch, all-digital instrument cluster offered in overseas markets doesn’t feature in right-hand-drive, but a head-up display goes into the flagship.

On the Highlander, a blind-spot view monitor shows a live feed of the Palisade's left and right blind-spot zones within the instrument cluster when the indicator is engaged, as well as a surround view monitor with guidance provides a 360-degree birds-eye view when parking.

A dual-panel power sunroof and hands-free power tailgate are also standard on the more expensive model.

Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite comes standard, featuring blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning with leaving vehicle departure alert, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, safe exit assist (top model only), rear occupant alert, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.