AWD
Amarok V6 Diesel Gains A Third Pedal.
Proving that some manufacturers do listen to customer feedback, Volkswagen has given its V6 diesel Amarok a third pedal. The Amarok V6 Core TDI500 4×4 Performance has 165kW between 3,250rpm and 4,500rpm, and a very decent 500Nm of torque from 1,250rpm to 3,000rpm. This means it’s good for a towed (braked) capacity of 3.0 tonnes. Payload is 1,004 kilograms.
Ryan Davies, The Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, Ryan Davies, said: “At every off-road, caravan and camping expo and Big Red Bash concert the team and I attend, we speak with current owners and members of the off-roading community who have begged us to bring an Amarok V6 manual to Australia. It was because of that passion that we were able to mount a case with our head office in Germany to build one and, based on Australia remaining the number one export market in the world for the V6 Amarok, we are finally able to offer this unique, Aussie-spec ‘Rok.”
It’s the addition of the six speed manual that makes the difference here. The six-speed manual gearbox is paired with a non-permanently engaged four-wheel drive system, whereas the eight speed auto has a permanent full-time 4WD setup. The part-time transfer box permits two gear stages which is the engagement of the front driven wheels and changing to the reduction speed, or low range, transmission. These are activated electronically via console mounted buttons, meaning no mechanical lever is required to get ready for muddy or off-road excursions. There is also an off-road mode, which is activated by the press of a button or automatically when 4×4 low range is engaged. A mechanical rear-axle differential lock is fitted as standard.
Hill–descent assist limits downhill velocities by acting upon all four brakes as required, and will work at keeping the speed as constant as possible. This works best between two and thirty kilometres per hour. It will also assist in reversing situations downhill.
Inside there is heavy duty rubber coverings for the front and rear seats to help with cleaning after going off-road, The steering wheel is leather wrapped, climate control is of the semi-automatic style, and VW’s App-Connect system is standard, The rear view camera adds an extra safety level with Park Distance Control. 17 inch wheels and LED running lights add some visual appeal, as do the extras for the Core Enduro version.
A black sports bar behind the cabin, a bonnet protector, and Enduro decals in black provide spice. Pricing is competive, with the Core 4×4 six speed manual listing at $49,590 whilst the Enduro lists at the same price. Check with your Volkswagen dealer to be sure.
2020 Audi Q3 Sportback Ready To Roll.
Audi’s vast range of vehicles is about to expand. The Q3 Sportback, a small-medium SUV that features a strong coupe styling, is on its way. Pricing is sharp and it will be, to start, a two model range. The Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line with a 1.4L turbo four that produces 110kW and 250Nm will kick off at $49,900, whilst the Launch Edition will start from $56,450. These are manufacturers list price and do not include dealer or government charges.
Styling tweaks see the Sportback longer and lower than the standard Q3. Audi quietly nods to its Quattro heritage with the body having larger wheel arch “blisters”. The S Line and Launch Edition will roll on 19 inch alloys. The powerplant itself pairs up with a slick six speed S-Tronic auto, putting drive to the front wjheels in the S Line. It’s not a rocket ship though, with a 0-100 time of 9.3 seconds. Economy is quoted as 7.3 litres per 100km whilst emissions are 167 grams per km. A bigger engine and an extra cog will feature in the Q3 40 S-Line model. 132kW will come from a 2.0L engine, driving all four corners via a seven speed S-Tronic.
The Launch Edition is will include additional features, such as metallic paint as standard, privacy glass, and a black exterior styling package. The folding wing mirrors are heated too. Inside there’s a bespoke sound system, auto dimming rear vision mirror, plus LED colour lighting, heated front pews with powered lumbar support, and a 360 degree camera system. Safety features will include Adaptive Cruise Assist, along with active lane assist and emergency assist.
ANCAP have awarded the Q3 Sportback a five star rating, as Autonomous Emergency Braking or AEB, with cyclist and pedestrian detection is on board, as are lane departure warning, lane change warning, rear cross-traffic assist, tyre pressure monitors, and hill descent control. Six airbags will be fitted with no driver’s kneebag as part of the package. Naturally technology is a major part of the Q3 Sportback, just like its sibling. The Audi “Virtual Cockpit” will star for the driver, as will MMI navigation and MMI touchscreen. DAB audio provides the sounds and Audi’s voice control is tuned to be a natural language style for better usage.
Both USB-A and USB-C ports will feature for front and rear seats, and connectivity in the form of wireless Apple CarPlay, a smartphone charge pad and a handy dual Bluetooth connectivity is standard. Audi Connect Plus provides real time traffic info, petrol station fuel pricing, parking space availability at listed stations, and even weather updates.
Drivers with a sporting bent will be well pleased thanks to a fettling of the steering plus selected driving modes for a variety of driving situations. Audi drive select allows driving characteristics to be altered with a selection of various modes through the MMI controls.
Although it’s of a coupe styling, rear room isn’t compromised. The 530 litres of cargo space is the same as the non-coupe Q3. 40:20:40 split fold and sliding second row seats allow up to 1400L as required.
Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia, says: “The very first Q3 Sportback expands Audi’s presence in the premium compact SUV segment. In a single generation, the Audi Q3 established itself as the benchmark in its class, underlined by its enduring popularity throughout its lifetime. The new model is stronger in every conceivable area, and the very first Q3 Sportback offers an even more expressive alternative for buyers. The growing share of the premium compact SUV segment shows no sign of slowing down, and so the Q3 Sportback is absolutely the right car at the right time for the Australian market.”
Deliveries for Australia are expected to start in March of 2020.
Small SUVs You Can Buy in 2020
Judging by sales trends, the commanding popularity of owning and enjoying an SUV will continue into 2020. So, what can you buy this year if you’re looking to get into a small SUV with AWD? Let’s take a closer look.
Audi
Audi Q2
Audi has the sparkling little Audi Q2 AWD. You can get this one in the Q2 TFSI 140 kW Quattro Sport mode with five seats, a 7-speed auto, petrol, 2.0-litre Turbo, 140 kW, 320 Nm, 5-star safety and with 6.4 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
For way more performance the hot little SQ2 TFSI 221 kW Quattro is stunningly quick. Available with five seats, a 7-speed auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 221 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.4 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
Audi Q3
Audi also offers the slightly larger Audi Q3 with Quattro underpinnings and good looks. You will enjoy the new Q3 45 TFSI with five seats, a 7-speed auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 132 kW, 320 Nm, 5-star safety and around 6.7 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
The punchy performance of the Q3 S-Line 45 TFSI will delight. It comes with five seats, a 7-speed auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 169 kW, 350 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.6 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
BMW
BMW X1
The smallest BMW SUV with AWD is found in X1 guise. Known as the BMW x-Drive 20d 4×4 you have something quite special to get yourself around. The Twin-Turbo diesel is a beauty with plenty of pep, great driving dynamics and low fuel usage. It comes with five seats, an 8-speed auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 140 kW, 400 Nm, 5-star safety and around 4.8 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
BMW X2
BMW also offer a small SUV in the form of the X2 AWD. The X2 has low, sleek lines; however it still has SUV status. You can get this nice looking, nice driving vehicle with five seats, an 8-speed auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 141 kW, 280 Nm, 5-star safety and around 6.5 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
Honda
Honda HR-V AWD
The smallest Honda SUV comes in the form of the HR-V. Available with AWD, five seats, auto, petrol, 1.5-litre, 96 kW, 155 Nm, 5-star safety and around 5.3 litres/100 km fuel consumption. The HR-V won’t break any land speed records but it does deliver comfortable, efficient transport with loads of technology and safety features.
Hyundai
Hyundai KONA AWD
Hyundai offer their small SUV in AWD as well as in FWD. Both the 1.6T AWD and the 1.6T Elite AWD use the same engine and underpinnings with the difference being price and equipment levels. With a new Hyundai KONA AWD SUV you will enjoy five seats, a 7-speed DCT transmission, petrol, 1.6-litre, 130 kW, 265 Nm, 5-star safety and around 6.7 litres/100 km fuel consumption. The KONA’s nice styling, price and drive add up to a nice experience.
Jeep
Jeep Renegade
Yes, you can get yourself a legendary Jeep as a small SUV. Jeep’s compact SUV has all of Jeep’s 4×4 mastery with its proven technology and ruggedness always a hit. Known as the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk; with this model you have serious off-road potential that boasts low gearing for tough terrain. You also get five seats, an auto gearbox, petrol, 2.4-litre, 129 kW, 230 Nm, 5-star safety and a fuel consumption of around 7.5 litres/100 km.
Lexus
Lexus UX250H
The smallest Lexus SUV with AWD comes in the form of the UX250H; and it’s a hybrid. Sleek lines, plenty of style, loads of luxury, excellent performance and handy cabin space make the new Lexus UX250H a discerning small SUV choice. The UX has also been designed by a female engineer who also had a hand in the CT200’s design. This comes with five seats, an auto transmission, hybrid – petrol/electric power, 2.0-litre combustion, 135 combined kW, 190 Nm, 5-star safety and a fuel consumption around 4.7 litres/100 km.
Mazda
Mazda CX-3 AWD
A real winner with equally nice looks and a nice drive, it’s hard to walk by a new Mazda CX-3 AWD. Known as the CX-3 GSX AWD, you get a small SUV that has all the style as well as a comfortable interior, great technology and a fun drive. The CX-3 AWD comes with five seats, an auto gearbox, petrol, 2.0-litre, 110 kW, 5-star safety and a fuel consumption around 6.7 litres/100 km.
Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz GLA AWD
As a compact SUV, the new Mercedes Benz GLA AWD versions though almost car-like do offer some SUV credentials. It is based on the A-Class platform and is excellent – as you would expect. It is Mercedes Benz after all! This offer one of the nicest cabins in this class of car, particularly when you add the huge centre touchscreen and figure-hugging seats. These are also really nice driving cars with superb performance. If you don’t mind the higher price, then you’ll love these.
The Mercedes Benz GLA 250 4Matic has five seats, an auto gearbox, petrol, 2.0-litre, 155 kW, 350 Nm, 5-star-safety and a combined fuel consumption of around 7.0 litres/100 km. The Mercedes Benz GLA AMG 45 4Matic is the most powerful small SUV money can buy. It’s also the priciest! With this model you get five seats, an auto gearbox, petrol, 2.0-litre, 280 kW, 475 Nm, 5-star safety and a combined fuel consumption of around 7.5-litres/100 km. A 0-100 km/h dash can be performed in around five seconds.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi ASX AWD
Mitsubishi offers the excellent new ASX XLS AWD. This small SUV has a very modern style and offers its power from the excellent 2.2 turbo-diesel engine. This is a standout performer and perfectly matched for the ASX AWD version. The 2020 ASX cabin is comfortable, stylish and safe. You get the AWD version with five seats, auto, diesel, 2.2-litre, 112 kW, 366 Nm, 5-star safety and a 6.0 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
Nissan
Nissan Juke AWD
Nissan Juke has its small AWD model with the funkiest styling in this class. It’s all about cool looks, style and fun with this one. You can get the AWD Nissan Juke in Juke Turbo form which delivers a great drive, tidy handling and plenty of personality. The Nissan Juke Turbo has five seats, auto, petrol, 1.6-litre, 140 kW, 240 Nm, 5-star safety and a punchy drive with a fuel consumption of around 7.4 litres/100 km.
Ssangyong
Ssangyong Korando AWD
Very plush and comfortable, the 2020 Ssangyong Korando looks good and is nice and practical. Offered in AWD as the Korando 2.0 TDi it comes with a good price, five seats, auto, diesel, 2.0-litre, 129 kW, 360 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.3 litres/100 km fuel consumption. This is proving a popular buy around the world, and for good reason too; this is a solid, stylish, nice driving and comfortable small AWD SUV.
Subaru
Subaru XV AWD
Based on the Impreza platform, the new Subaru XV 2.0i Sport and Premium models are very handy off-road, while remaining dynamic on-road. This is a competent, stylish small SUV that can easily scamper off road when required. Both the Sport and Premium models come with five seats, auto, petrol, 2.0-litre, 115 kW, 196 Nm, 5-star safety and around 7.0 litres/100 km fuel economy.
Suzuki
Suzuki Jimny 4×4
The extremely desirable and popular little Suzuki Jimny has impressed worldwide and is available in Australia with plenty of options for trim, technology and trim levels as well as manual and auto options. These are a delightful 4×4 SUV to drive with the added benefit of being able to tackle some serious off-road terrain. Even experienced 4WDers rave about them. This latest model has delivered and offers plenty for the adventurer. Manual versions are fractionally more fuel efficient, being able to return around 6.4 litres/100 km compared with auto versions which are around 6.9 litres/100 km. Both the Suzuki Jimny Sierra and Sierra 2 Tone offer five seats, auto and manual options, petrol, 1.5-litre, 75 kW, 130 Nm and 3-star safety.
Suzuki S-Cross AWD
Suzuki’s S-Cross is really a glorified Hatchback with a higher small SUV riding stance, a peppy little engine, excellent build quality, and all at a handy price. The AWD version is known as the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross LTD AWD, and it is nice and comfortable to drive. It’s also nice and practical with genuine seat comfort and space. You get five seats, auto, petrol, 1.6-litre, 88 kW, 156 Nm, 5-star safety and a 6.3 litres/100 km fuel consumption.
Suzuki Vitara AWD
With its nice styling, safety and comfort, the new Vitara is a very well-priced small SUV with great driving dynamics too boot. It’s based on the S-Cross platform. The latest Vitara has been pumped with high-tech safety features and also shows off its bold styling in many bright colour combinations. You’ll have fun with this one, and the Vitara is well built too. The Suzuki Vitara JLX AWD is the base model and offers five seats, auto, petrol, 1.6-litre, 86 kW 156 Nm, 5-star safety and 6.3 litres/100 km fuel consumption. The Suzuki Vitara Turbo AWD and AWD 2 Tone are great fun cars to drive. With these you get five seats, auto, petrol, 1.4-litre, 103 kW, 220 Nm, 5-star safety and 6.2 litres/100 km.
Toyota
Finally, to wrap up the available new small SUV drives, the Toyota C-HR is superbly built, nice to look at, comfortable and has hybrid technology. 2020 has the C-HR with smoother lines and a special Toyota Safety Sense suite. This is a reliable performer, and a small SUV drive that delivers AWD traction which is great for gravel roads as well as city streets. The Turbo AWD, Limited AWD and Limited AWD 2 tone all offer five seats, auto, petrol, 1.2-litre, 85 kW, 185 Nm, 5-star safety and an average fuel consumption of around 6.5 litres/100 km.
As you can see there is plenty of choice in the abundant selection you’ll find in the small SUV market place. Today’s modern technology, new materials and reliability make for enjoyable new car ownership. You can see why plenty of people are ditching their small hatchbacks for a more solid small SUV stance.
2019MY Nissan X-Trail Ti: Private Fleet Car Review.
This Car Review Is About: The 2019 model year Ti spec X-Trail from Nissan. At the time of writing there is a six tier range which includes the sports themed N-Sport. The Ti sits at the second highest spot under the TL and wants for little in comparison. The car provided comes in a five seater configuration.
How Much Does It Cost?: Nissan says a drive-away price in January 2020 is $44,490 for the Ti. That’s a bargain as the recommended retail is $45,340 before any on road costs.
Under The Bonnet Is: A 2.5L petrol engine and a Constant Variable Transmission. Peak torque of 226Nm spins in at 4,400rpm, whilst top power of 126kW is there at 6,000rpm. Economy is quoted as 8.3L per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle from a 60.0L tank. We saw a best of 7.3L/100km and a final average of 8.7L/100km. Emissions are 192grams/km. Dry weight is 1,562kg.
On The Outside It’s: A clear relation to the rest of the Nissan family, something some other brands should take into consideration. Every single Nissan has a relatable to another Nissan look. This starts with the deep Vee shaped nose/grille design before running to a sine wave crease-line along the side from the front to the’s rear muscular flanks. The rear lights are nicely integrated horizontally and the powered tailgate opens to a 565L cargo section. Drop the second row seats and Nissan says there’s 945L available. The Ti comes with a glass roof and incorporates a separate sunroof in this section.
The styling disguises the fact it’s quite long at 4,640mm and sports a wheelbase of 2,705mm. Height is only noticeable if you stand next to it at 1,740mm. Full width is 1,820mm. Good looking 19 inch alloys are shod with 225/55 Ecopia rubber from Bridgestone.
On The Inside It’s: Largely a very pleasant office. The immediate downside to the look is the drab and dull touchscreen display. It’s boring to look at, and slow to access DAB stations. the map display looks like a digital version of the now no-longer-available paper map books. That’s the downside. Otherwise there’s superbly supple cloth covered seats, which are heated front AND rear, the aforementioned glass roof, and an ergonomically laid out cabin.
The driver has a one touch up/down power window, keyless start, and a very efficient climate control system at their fingertips. There’s a decent centre console bin, and a drive select dial just forward of it. This allows two or four wheel drive (on demand) and a locked 4WD for soft-roading. Auto headlights and wipers add to the convenience factor as do the integrated cop holders in the rear seat which fold down and also provide a form of armrest. There’s hints of luxury thanks to the lush carpet mats fitted and the powered tailgate has a position memory. It’ll also automatically stop if a body is detected..
The dash itself is formed into an elegantly styled design, replete with soft touch materials and a stitched leather look. Button and tab placement follow a logical theme on the gently flattened “M” style layout, with a slightly flat bottomed wheel providing a little extra thigh space as well. Dull looking touchscreen design aside, it’s a pretty place to sit in and look at. That’s assisted by a beautiful Bose sound system with enough low end to please most and a nicely balanced sound stage.
On The Road It’s: A harder ride than expected. In no way was it a bad ride, far from it. There was ample absorbance and it was more the quicker return to a flat ride, and a definite feeling of tautness, that surprised early on. The car’s default drive by choice was the torque-split on demand 4WD. In the driver’s display is a graphic that shows the torque being applied front to rear and the drive is well enough set up to have the front doing most of the work without feeling as such.
Steering is well balanced with just the right amount of feedback and heft to ensure an engaging drive in this respect. Where the drive fell down was in the CVT’s unwillingness to deal with an engine that has great numbers and exhibits those when using the manual change via the gear selector or paddle shifters.
Anything other than a gentle push on the accelerator resulted in a sensation of feeling mired in mud. Forward motion felt uninspiring, and indifferent, whereas using the manual options gave a definite change in the liveliness of the drive. The brakes made up for it with confidence and solid stopping time after time.
What About Safety?: There’s plenty. Intelligent Cruise Control that adapts to the vehicle ahead, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Warning with a small LED that lights up in the root of the wing mirror to visually advise. Intelligent Trace Control, a form of torque vectoring, is here, and it unobtrusively applies brakes to the wheels sensors feel need an additional boost, and this works cornering to assist in keeping the X-Trail on the road, rather than venturing to where it shouldn’t.
Intelligent Ride Control works with the engine and transmission, gently backing off torque when the car moves over something like a speed-bump or road ripple. This has the flow on effect of minimising pitch that passengers may feel. Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Intelligent Lane Intervention round out the safety package, with what Nissan calls their Intelligent Mobility service incorporating the Lane Intervention, Cruise Control, and Trace Control.
What About Warranty And Service?: Five years worth of warranty and unlimited kilometres are a good thing to have in the back pocket. This covers five years of roadside assist and should the vehicle be onsold inside that term, the warranty rolls over with it. Service is the now familiar capped price and varies depending on which level of service is required. This was the pricing structure as of January 2020.
At The End Of The Drive. The Nissan X-Trail Ti is a very featured and equipped vehicle. It rides and handles well enough, has a very good engine but has two things that need improvement. The visually uninspiring touchscreen needs an overhaul and Nissan has plenty of places to look. The other is the CVT. It’s a real negative in what is otherwise a mechanically very well sorted drive-line. More information of the X-Trail’s extensive range and feature set can be found here.
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