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Friday 22 November 2013 Friday 22 November 2013Friday 22 November 2013

Saddling up for action The new Nissan Pathfinder page 4

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The Weekend Sun Bay DriverPage 2 Friday 22 November 2013 Friday 22 November 2013Friday 22 November 2013

No.1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 www.sunlive.co.nz phone 07 578 0030 fax 07 571 1116 email [email protected]

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The Weekend Sun Bay Driver Page 3Friday 22 November 2013 Friday 22 November 2013Friday 22 November 2013

Upgrading commercial diesel work vans has become more expensive in recent years with tighter emission controls on used imports, but Mike Sheaff believes he has the answer.

In fact Mike, who owns Sheaff Vehicles, is promis-ing to save you thousands of dollars on the price most would have paid for a two to fi ve-year-old imported vehicle just a few years ago – and his vans are brand new.

Mike has just secured the Bay of Plenty franchise for what has been a pillar of British motoring for more than 100 years. The Leyland marque – highly regarded for its range of great trucks and vans during the years – is returning to New Zealand with a nation-wide release of LDV’s highly acclaimed vans.

Leyland DAF Vans has established itself as one of Europe’s most highly regarded commercial vehicle brands during the last 40 years. And despite changes in ownership – with the vans now made in China under Shanghai Automotive – the fi rm’s vehicles continue to be made to its exacting European standards.

“All the parts are made in Europe – your Delphi and Bosch and so on – which are used by other highly regarded brands,” says Mike.

“The way I like to describe it is they are just assembled in China – but when you consider they make a mil-lion VW Golfs in the same factory, it’s pretty clear they know what they are doing.”

Mike says during the last 10 years, the generously-sized and competitively-priced vans have won a dozen major awards, including Van of the Year four years’ running.

“They have been being sold in Australia for over a year now and by all accounts they have been very well received. Everybody has been rapt with them so that’s got to be reassuring.”

Mike believes the sharply priced LDVs will shake up the commercial van sector and expects interest from loyal supporters of other brands, including Toyota and Hyundai which have dominated the market.

The fi rst models to arrive are the plainly named ‘Big’ base model – which comes in at 4.95 metres long, the standard 1.998 metre wide and 2.132 metre high – and it’s premium ‘Big’ twin, which comes with a range of extras, including anti-theft security system, ABS brakes and double side sliding doors. Larger family members, the ‘Bigger’ (5.7 metre long x 2.345 high) and ‘Biggest’ (5.7 metre x 2.552 high), will arrive in the next few weeks.

Bay of PlentyNovember 24: Motorkhana and autocross: TECT All Terrain ParkMotorsport BOP’s multi-day motorkhana and autocross event continues with day two from 12.30pm-7pm. Details: Shane Tofts 021 111 7831, or email: [email protected] 24: Enduro karting: BOP Kart ClubClub members will compete in the annual enduro kart racing event at Fagan’s Valley Raceway, Alley Rd, Te Puke.November 30: Busters are back: BayparkBaypark Busters compete in their fi rst Super Stock team race at Mount Maunganui for 10 years. Racing includes the fi nal round of the La-Z-Boy Saloon Car Series. Details: www.asbbaypark.co.nz/speedway

Beyond the Bay November 23: Hillclimbing in Hawkes BayMotorSport NZ’s National Hillclimb Championship series begins with events on Hawkes Bay’s Salisbury and Pohukura roads, with at least fi ve Western Bay drivers competing including defending title-holder Ben Thomasen, who last year won fi ve of the six national championship events.November 30: Ford drag racing at MeremereFord Muscle Car Club’s annual drag racing day at Meremere. Details: www.fordmusclecars.org.nz or call Barry Gordon on 027 2010428.December 6: Honda event in TaupoThe New Zealand Honda Club’s Mega meet offers all Honda owners a chance to put their car through its paces on the Taupo track. Details: www.NZHondas.com

New workhorse choice

Mike Sheaff, from Sheaff Vehicles, expects strong

interest in the new range of LDV commercial vans.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

By Hamish Carter


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SPECSNissan Pathfi nder

Horses for courses

Pathfinder takes the road more travelled

Nissan’s new big SUV is headed down a new path – a slightly more refi ned route than its legendary

predecessors with bushwhacking leanings.

In a bold move towards more luxury, sophistication and style, the new Pathfi nder has a few more degrees of suave than before. But don’t be fooled – the large SUV still has strong 4WD capability ingrained in its DNA, for those who wish to dial it up.

The new path takes heed of the fact that only a small percentage of Pathfi nder owners have a need for four-wheel traction. It’s a matter of horses for courses – and the Path-fi nder is gaining style without sacrifi cing practicalities. Many are happy with the biggest Nissan SUV for all of its other attributes, which take a greater focus with this model – such as space, clever technology, logical layout, clear and concise controls, seven-seater capacity, performance, fuel effi ciency and ride quality. The fact that the focus has shifted more to these features doesn’t take anything away from the Path-fi nder’s status as a highly versatile vehicle, which can switch from elegant family wagon to performance tow machine and off-road performer at the fl ick of dial. Literally.

The new beast features many changes to previous models; the American-made Pathfi nder is more curvaceous, in line with Nissan’s latest trends. We’re told to expect similar changes soon in the updated X-Trail and other models.

The new Pathfi nder ticks all the safety boxes, too, according to the NZTA, which reports:

“The Pathfi nder performed strongly in most ANCAP tests and boasts dual frontal, side chest and curtain airbags,

anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution and electronic stability control. All of these safety features are required to even be considered for a 5-star safety rating”.

“Advanced seatbelt reminders are fi tted to all seats in the Pathfi nder.”

The new Nissan is also lower by 13 mm, wider by a consid-erable 100 mm and a tad longer. It’s also lighter and the drag co-effi cient is dropped to a slippery .34 with the move away from the traditional boxy shape.

That all translates to sleeker styling, more interior space, better handling and fuel economy.

On the roadYet on the road, it doesn’t feel like a large SUV. Stepping

out of an X-Trail, I found it an easy transition, although the extra power is smile-inducing; and the quiet, smoother ride is a pleasant surprise. The space, however, is impressive. A true luxury seven-seater, it has leg room for giraffes and even fea-tures separate rear air con controls for the hordes in the back.

Bay Driver took the latest Pathfi nder for an outing to test its mettle across a range of driving conditions – from around town, to twisty hill climbs; highway cruising, and a couple of practical trials around a farm.

Around town the Pathfi nder is quite nimble and easy to park, despite its size. The visibility is good all round and aided with excellent parking sensors and the best backing camera screen I’ve seen. Complete with guidelines, it complemented the side mirrors perfectly and allowed us to navigate confi -dently around tight spots with nonchalance. A practice in the driveway, negotiating a few pairs of gumboots, quickly inspired confi dence in the Pathfi nder’s ability to manoeuvre. (Note: no Red Bands were harmed in the making of this article).

The same big screen is soon to be available for the built-in GPS across all the new Nissan models.

Time for a short roadie to see how it handles the crowd. With a picnic loaded into the electric chilly bin and plugged into one of the four 12V outlets, we’re off for a day by the river with strawberries and pate.

Heading out of town with a carload of friends, the lovely 3.5 litre V6 simply purrs away, barely audible, but effortlessly powering us along. It’s a pleasure to sensibly hold a conversa-tion, even with those two rows back, while cruising and having so little engine or road noise to compete with.

All the controls are beautifully laid out; even at fi rst glance it is easy to work every one out. The dash features so much infor-mation, I amuse myself fl icking through screens and checking out all of the available data, which is so easy to access and logi-cally set up. The top of the range models have it all, including tyre pressure sensors and every imaginable piece of data.

Smooth and effortlessThe ride is so smooth and effortless, there’s a constant need

to check the speed; it creeps up so casually. Cruise control solves that, and all of those gadgets are set out in very intui-

tive fashion on the steering wheel controls.The push button start makes it all too easy – a foot on the

brake, up she starts. Leave the foot off the brake, one push on the start button, and the stereo lights up. Another push without brake, everything else lights up, such as window controls.

The ride and comfort inspires confi dence on the highway and the responsive 193kW V6 engine oozes a surety that I like. Overtaking is swift and precise, the handling delightful and the driving pure pleasure.

On acceleration you can feel the torque, hungry at the wheel through the front drive train. A passionate driver should consider the all-wheel drive option to spread that smooth power around.

It’s a great day for a drive. I take some convincing to stop for a picnic.

Even parked, the new wagon draws more than its share of admirers, as our crackers and cheese are punctuated with passers-by oohing and ahh-ing and the odd rower and kay-aker eyeing the long roof rails with thoughts of fi tting racks.

After some riverside snap shots, it’s off to visit rellies; the equine branch of the family, and the sort who carry a lot of gear and tow horse fl oats. They’re all impressed, even the horse who was looking keener on the plush interior of the Pathfi nder, than his fl oat.

I can imagine them tootling off to wherever horses go, with a load of horsey paraphernalia in the spacious hatch, and the fl oat hooked up behind.

With the option of the All Mode 4x4i thrown in, and the smooth delivery of power from the V6, this would be an ideal tow wagon.

Off-road Around the paddocks, the Pathfi nder is nimble and

adequate ground clearance for average off-road demands. The backing camera and sensors coming in handy again, negotiating around tight gate posts, sheds and the odd hairy farm dog – proving they’re not just a townie parking gadget.

I can see this Pathfi nder nailing a reputation for high-comfort cruising, excellent towing – and for those who opt in, the occasional 4WD use, such as slippery ramps, beach boat launching, lakeside and river excursions, and trips to the snow.

The level of comfort put the Pathfi nder a serious cut above the standard people-mover.

Combined with the option for almost secretive 4WD powers, it’s ideally pitched to the luxury large crossover SUV market. It will appeal to any Pathfi nder faithful, who, regardless of their off road needs, will appreciate the power, smoothness, quiet and load carrying performance; all in fi ve-star safety.

Thanks to Farmer Autovillage and Roger Matthews for the opportunity to try the fi rst of the new Nissan range.

By Brian Rogers

Fuel Economy: 9.9L/100km 2WD (10.2 4WD)

Engine: 190kW, 325 nmt

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Beyond the classic Cadillacs, Chevys and sporty Corvettes – it was a GT that was one of the most interesting cars at this year’s USA Day car show.

But I’m not talking historic muscle car Mustang GT – this grand tourer is truly one of a kind.

Among more than 200 American origin cars on show at Wharepai Domain on Sunday were a few American-inspired cars manufac-tured in Wellington by Graham Berry Race Cars (now Kiwi Race Cars), including replica Cobras and the one-off GT Ruxton.

While the Cobras are well-known among motoring fans, a procession of show visitors stopped and scratched their heads as they tried to fi gure the heritage of the 1930s-style tourer.

A chat with Papamoa-owner Yannicka Malone introduces me to its unique story. American Yannicka has been into cars since she was a tot and has always loved nothing better than a big, classy American car.

Initially, Yannicka admits she was planning to import a replica 1929 Mercedes Gazelle, attracted by the sporty roadster style, but was put off by the challenges of importing.

Casting around for something similar, she discovered the GT Ruxton.

The vehicle has been designed by Napier man John Mander Ruxton as the car of his dreams, drawing on elements from 1930s big open tourers he loved – including the Model J Duesenberg it reminds Yannicka of, with its upholstered white vinyl exterior.

Documentation shows John made a scale model more than 50 cm in length before starting his project to ensure its design worked. Then, during seven years, he made as much he could himself, with Graham Berry’s team helping him complete it in 1997.

Built on a Rolls Royce chassis, it is powered by a Chevrolet 5.7 litre V8 engine, offering 213 horsepower.

“It’s great to drive. You get out there on the highway and it just goes – you never have any trouble passing trucks or anything like that,” says Yannicka.

She’s travelled the length of the country at least four times since buying the vintage-style convertible two years ago. “It zooms. It feels as good as a Porsche.”

And she would know – after recently buying a 2001 Porsche Boxter. Now single, she’s selling the Ruxton, as it’s too big for one, but knows she will “cry when it goes”.

By Hamish Carter

Grand tourer all class

Papamoa car enthusiast Yannicka Malone’s ‘one of a kind’ GT Ruxton drew a lot of

attention at the USA Day car show.


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