Friday, January 14, 2011
Nissan Murano
Nissan has restyled and re-engineered its controversial crossover but is it enough?
Nissan Murano
Local Launch
Sydney, NSW
What we liked
>>Competitive pricing
>>Comfortable leather seats
>>Quiet ride
Not so much
>>Polarising style
>>Engine lacks punch
>>Nervous handling over bumpy and twisting road
Overall rating: 2.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 2.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 2.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 2.5/5.0
OVERVIEW
Design. Design. Design. You couldn't escape the 'D word' at the launch of the updated Nissan Murano.
'Design Delivers' was the motto written across the back of the t-shirts, the presentation was held at GYD, a trendy Sydney designer furniture complex and leading Australian designer Ken Cato was brought in to make a speech. And it was all because the Murano's 'love-it-or-hate-it' styling remains its major selling point.
Cato gave a very thoughtful talk on the importance of design, its role in society and why the Murano is an attractive car. But it was hard not to think that great style doesn't need to be explained...
Having said that, the point was made during the launch that most products these days -- whether they are televisions, computers or cars -- all do pretty much the same thing for the same price, which means style is all that separates one from the other. If that's true then the new Murano certainly stands out.
Every body panel is different on the new model, but in what Nissan calls an 'evolution of an iconic shape' overall the car retains a strong resemblance to the 2003 original. The front grille remains the standout feature with vertical chrome bars running in between its "arrowhead cool-eye" headlights. The taillights have been changed from the vertical to horizontal units. But the upswept triangular rear side window remains similar to the outgoing model because of its role as a signature of Nissan crossovers (a signature that does little to help rearward visibility!).
Nissan has high hopes, in relative terms, for the Murano with a target of 200 sales per month. That would be a major boost for the car (over double what it was selling last year) and needs to happen in an increasingly competitive SUV marketplace.
New market for 2
Mazda's streamlined new 2 comes closest to a 'global car' yet
Mazda launched its latest Mazda2 hatch Down Under this week with news that the three-model range will start from $16,500.
That sort of money gets you the Neo base model, which, like all new-generation 2s, comes as a five-door hatch only and gets air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, ABS brakes and MP3-compatible CD player as standard equipment.
Despite a price increase pegged at $165 in the case of the Neo, Mazda is claiming the new 2 delivers around $1000 additional value.
The Maxx is 2's mid-ranger and starts at $18,710. On top of the Neo's spec it adds 15-inch alloys, six-disc CD player with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a rear spoiler. The top 2 is the Genki, for $20,845, including 16-inch alloys, six airbags, leather-trimmed steering wheel and front fogs.
The new model uses the predecessor's 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine; reworked to meet Euro IV regulations. Output ratings are 76kW/137Nm for new Mazda2 -- down from 82kW/141Nm. Mazda claims fuel consumption has improved slightly.
All models are standard with a five-speed manual transmission. The optional four-speed automatic transmission will set you back an extra $1650.
The latest Mazda2 is safer than the superseded model, coming standard with ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and brake assist. Mazda expects the car to earn a five-star rating when tested by Euro NCAP.
The new 2 also offers stability control across the range – a first for Mazda. A safety pack including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and side and curtain airbags is offered for Neo and Maxx at $1100. The DSC upgrade for Genki (it gets six airbags as standard) is $700.
The previous 2's tall, "practical" styling has been redesigned for what Mazda says is now a global car, with European, Japanese and Australian markets in mind. Streamlined and generally smaller, apart from a slight increase in width, the new model's sleek looks are aimed at younger buyers in an effort to widen the light car's sales appeal.
Despite the sporty new look, Mazda Australia chief Doug Dickson told the Carsales Network that the company expected the new 2 to retain its traditional customers. He suggested the new model's dimensions are still suited to the older demographic (50-plus) attracted to the previous 2's convenience.
Interior passenger space and cargo capacity "remain competitive", claims Mazda. The new model has 250 litres of load space in the boot, and 787 litres with rear 60:40 split-fold seat backs down. Maximum load length is 1313mm.
The new 2 has good outward vision by way of a repositioned, sloping beltline, which is 40mm lower at the front than the outgoing model. The cabin is well styled and we were impressed with the new car's overall handling during our brief launch drive around Coolum in SE Queensland this week.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Mazda CX-9
Bigger, longer, wider, heavier - it's still a Mazda Jim, but not as we know it
Local Launch
Victorian High Country
What we liked
>> Jewel-like transmission
>> Well equipped for the money
>> Feels smaller than it is
Not so much
>> Intrusive electronics
>> Wooden steering
>> Likes a drink
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.0/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0
OVERVIEW
The CX-9 is Mazda's biggest SUV. It's the maker's first with seven seats, the first to roll on 20-inch wheels and it sports the biggest engine -- and brakes -- yet seen in a Mazda passenger vehicle. A number of other firsts for Mazda in Australia include rain-sensors, powered passenger seat and a reversing camera.
Mazda Australia also claims the CX-9 is the first crossover with SUV capabilities available in Australia with passenger car dynamics and a flat floor. The CX-9 is also Mazda's first SUV with Roll Stability Control. Much is also made of the wide apertures for the rear doors in an attempt to overcome accessibility issues to the third row of seats.
CX-9 has been on sale in the US since January and was recently awarded Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year, 2008. Australian dealers are receiving their first shipments about now.
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