bay driver 13/01/12

LIFTOUT

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.63,360 copies

Friday 13 January 2012 Friday 13 January 2012Friday 13 January 2012

Sophisticated upstartSee page 4All-New Toyota Yaris

Baypark Speedway milestone pg15

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The Weekend Sun Bay Driver Friday 13 January 2012 Friday 13 January 2012Friday 13 January 2012

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

Bookings and enquiries contact Gaylene Moore 021 775 505email: [email protected]

For editorial and news tips email: [email protected]

The 2011 year fi nished on a high for BMW with the latest addition to the range, the all-new BMW 1

Series, winning both the NZ Herald Small Car of the Year award as well as

prestigious Overall Car of the Year title.The new BMW 1 Series impressed the

judges with its blend of driving dynamics and outstanding technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission – the only car in the class to offer this feature – and fuel-saving Effi cientDynamics measures including Auto Stop/Start function.

“Winning awards such as these reaffi rm BMW’s position as the world’s number one manufacturer of premium automobiles and is recognition of BMW’s commitment to building the Ultimate Driving Machine,” says the managing director of BMW Group New Zealand Mark Gilbert.

Another BMW newcomer won accolades – the fi re-breathing 1M Coupe won Perform-ance Car of the Year. The newest and smallest addition to the BMW M range was praised

for being ‘wide, wild and aggressive’ and ‘for taking the grin factor to a whole new level’.

“It is particularly apt for the 1M to win the Performance Award as 2012 is the 40th year of the BMW M division,” says Mark.

In a separate award for the new BMW 1 Series, the 118d was recognised by Element Magazine as the number one ‘Best New Car for 2012’.

“It proves that BMW drivers can in fact have their cake and eat it too. Thanks to award-winning Effi cientDynamic technolo-gies, BMW enthusiasts are able to enjoy driving dynamically superior cars, but also know they are doing so in some of the world’s most fuel effi cient vehicles.”

These above awards continue a run of Car of the Year successes for BMW which have seen the 5 Series win NZ Company Vehicle Magazine Executive Car of the Year and the BMW X3 claim the National Business Review SUV of the Year.

The BMW X3 is also one of the fi nalists competing for the NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild Car of the Year title, with the winner to be announced on January 14.

Series of prestigious awards

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An ex-demonstrator 2011 BMW can be yours for significantly less than you might expect. This range of low mileage, ‘as new’ vehicles is only available while stocks last. Visit Coombes Johnston BMW today to find out more about this unique opportunity and to discuss our readily available finance options.

DBM1586 Demo Runout Bay Driver 265x178 FN_Art.indd 1 11/01/12 9:02 AM


Many motorists in the Bay may be unaware of the effect that recent changes, made by the government

to the rules regarding imported vehicles, could have on their future car-buying choices.

On January 1, new regulations came into force amending the way Japanese imported vehicles are categorised. The levels of CO2 emissions permissible on any imported vehicle have now been signifi cantly reduced and are based on the vehicle’s year of design and manufacture. Only cars that have a three digit code at the start of their chassis number will qualify for import status under the new regulations.

The new emission standard levels have been put in place to achieve the government’s goal of bringing down the age of the nation’s vehi-cle fl eet and thereby reducing the number of older engines on our roads that are deemed to produce more hazardous levels of CO2.

Although this issue has been well publicised and the recent law change is the third step in

a complex change process that has been hap-pening since early 2007, there is still some confusion among the motoring public about what this actually means for them.

Bay Driver talked to a few local car dealers and discovered there could well be some fl ow-on effect for buyers when it comes to updating their vehicles.

Which vehicles qualify?There are a few anomalies around the

critical ‘3 digit’ code applied to imported vehicles. It is not as simple as saying that all cars older than a certain year do not qualify. For example, while it is generally fair to say that most Japanese vehicles manufactured before 2005 will not comply, a dealer was this week able to purchase a 2004 Toyota Ipsum from Japan because it carried the required 3 digit code.

On the other hand, all of the popular Honda Odyssey seven seat family coaches

manufactured before and up to year 2004 do not comply, so any new

imports of this particular vehicle will need to be

year 2005 and younger. “The end result,”

says Jonathan Allen of Car Connexxion in

Cameron Road, “is that customers will fi nd that they have to pay as much as $10,000 more than they would have last year if they want to buy a freshly imported Odyssey.

“Say you had a butcher selling 500 packs of rump steak at 10 dollars a pack, once that rump steak has all been sold, he only has fi llet steak left to sell at a higher price.”

Inevitably, buyers will be required to pay

quite a lot more for the same standard of vehicle that they have enjoyed buying prior to January 1, once existing stocks have been sold.

It is diffi cult to accurately gauge the number of vehicles that have been recently imported and prepared for sale locally, but there is possibly only about three months’ worth of older model stock on dealers’ yards. All dealers received their last shipments of pre-regulation change cars in December. Anyone looking to make the most of current pricing levels on these older models should probably shop now to take advantage of the situation.

Other options for buyersBuying a Japanese imported vehicle is not

the only option for local motorists of course. There is always an excellent selection of later model pre-owned, New Zealand new vehicles available. Dealers like Pacifi c Toyota or Ebbett Tauranga in Cameron Road or Ultimate Motor Group and Farmer Autovil-lage on Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, always carry good stocks of cars that are often

traded in when new car buyers are updating their vehicles.

There are also dealers like Trevor Lee Autos in Mount Maunganui and Chris Verryt Cars, on 15th Avenue, who specialise in sourcing New Zealand new used cars.

Long-time Tauranga car dealer Hank Verryt welcomes the emission law change.

He says it will bring more balance to the car sales industry and bring out the true value of cars.

“You will have better people in the busi-ness selling better cars, which means that the public will get a much better deal at the end of the day,” says Hank.

“Cars have never been more affordable than they are right now,” says Chris Verryt. “Having said that, there is no need for buyers to panic. They should come in and talk to reputable dealers like us if they need help and advice about what to buy.”

Chris and Hank are also always on the lookout for good quality cars to buy.

“If the car is tidy, it will have more value to a dealer. Good cars will always be worth good money,” says Hank.

New law better for allPage 3Friday 13 January 2012

quite a lot more for the same standard of traded in when new car buyers are updating

Late model used New Zealand new

vehicles like these will continue to be a desirable option for buyers.

Imported cars like the 2002 Mazda Atenza or 2004 Nissan Primera may become harder to fi nd in coming months.

Chris Verryt CarsChris Verryt CarsChris Verryt Cars


More substance to new Yaris

SPECS

By Richard Rennie

By putting more emphasis on substance over style in the new Yaris, Toyota is earning

the praises from ‘hatch lovers’ of all ages.The outward appearance of the new model Yaris – Toyota’s

long-running mini hatch – is much more in keeping with the look of other models in its passenger vehicle range. The previous cheeky, rounded appeal of the last model has been traded for something more conservative and sophisticated, with refi ned lines and a carefully planned interior layout that focuses more on space and practicality.

It is a look sure to appeal to a target market seeking a low cost, reliable, run around car that will remain a long and loyal servant.

This move by Toyota is not dissimilar to what happened to the RAV. Remember when it was fi rst released as a funky looking urban SUV runabout that won the hearts of most of the female population across the globe? Nowadays, the RAV’s appearance has grown up with its target market as they got married, had a family (or just got more serious) and needed a car with more space.

All grown upSo too with the Yaris; the cheeky machine that was such a

hit in that TV advert where it was chased around by a couple of bullying tow trucks has also grown up a bit. The bulgy lines up front have been replaced by some sharper edges, bringing it closer to the Camry and Corolla in the grille/headlight area. Under the bonnet, however, the new model still retains the heart and mechanical ‘sure-footedness’ of its predecessor.

Quite a few changes have been made in the cabin though, mainly due to Toyota responding to some gripes from previ-ous Yaris owners. It has done away with the unusual dash layout in the previous model that saw the dials offset in the middle. These have now been replaced by a far more conven-tional layout with nicely clustered gauges and an easy-to-read trip computer/odometer integrated between them.

Toyota has also installed its popular CD stereo system here. Like the rest of its fl eet, this is much appreciated by all sectors of the driving community as they are easily tuned, deliver crisp sound and, like the Yaris itself, do their job very effectively. The controls for the heating and air conditioning are ‘dial-style’ with circular boundaries around each one to give a nice sense of symmetry to their appearance and make them easy to see and to understand.

Bigger and brighter insideAnother issue with some owners had been the level of plas-

tic distributed through the cabin. In the new model, Toyota has cleverly broken that up with a variety of surfaces on the doors and dash that offer a varied touch experience. The inte-rior space also appears to be a lot brighter, thanks to a white inset piece between the seats.

The rear passenger space has also been improved to allow the Yaris to take a couple of extras more comfortably, as

required. There is a surprising level of head and leg room, no doubt created with the help of the fl at fl oor throughout the cabin.

The ‘slip and slide’ rear seat set-up is also gone, in response to customers’ desire to have more boot space. Now, with a space saver spare in the boot fl oor, Toyota has certainly achieved that desire. The hatch opens up to a voluminous boot that can be expanded a few centimetres deeper, simply by dropping the fl oor tray down onto the fl oor proper.

Capable performerOn the road, the four speed auto gets about its business

capably. It is a remarkably quiet little performer and the ability to chop across from Drive to ‘3’ is a handy feature. Larger cars might have a tiptronic option, but a fl ick of the

wrist over to ‘3’ will get the job done in the Yaris. It’s an ideal option for zipping around town economically or the occa-sional open-road overtaking manoeuvre.

The re-vamp of the Yaris represents good timing by Toyota in the increasingly competitive small car sector – one which is estimated to grow to 13,400 units in the next two years alone. With fuel prices still at the forefront of many buyers’ minds, the Yaris should prove to be an able competitor for other brands in both pricing and fuel economy.

Once again, Toyota has come to the market with a vehicle that meets or exceeds its buyers’ expectations. It is a well-sorted, surprisingly roomy, quiet and effi cient runabout that may even fi nd a welcome with small families and not just retirees seeking a reliable machine to guide them through their twilight years.

Toyota Yaris 3 Door HatchEngine (as tested): 1.3 Litre. Also available as 1.5 Litre, 5 Door HatchTransmission: 4 Speed AutomaticSafety: Nine airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction

Control, Front Seatbelt Pretensioners

Additional Features: Blue-tooth/Audio System with iPod and USB Input, Audio Streaming, Air ConditioningFuel consumption: 6.3L/100km (claimed)Price: On sale at $20,500 until April 2012 (3dr model)Test Drive at: Pacifi c Toyota, cnr Elizabeth St and Cameron Rd, Tauranga. Phone 07 578 1099

the Yaris to take a couple of extras more comfortably, as

The boot is 25 per cent larger and has

a handy ‘hidden fl oor’ to hide valuables.

The all-new Toyota Yaris has been re-styled to match others in the Toyota Range, particularly around the front grille.

Controls are well laid out and very easy to understand.


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*The advertised RSPs apply to the models shown, subject to stock availability and purchased and delivered prior to 30 April 2012. Benefi t offer available 01 January – 30 April 2012. Excludes Daihatsu & Lexus. Extended new vehicle platinum warranty adds additional 2 years or 50,000kms on expiry of the standard 3 year / 100,000km warranty – whichever occurs fi rst. Warrant of Fitness (WOF) Checks: the fi rst at 12 months and the last at 60 months. Five year AA Roadservice. On road costs (including the initial WOF) are not included. $500 Toyota Accessories including GST, labour & fi tment costs must be claimed or ordered at time of purchase. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer, is not transferable or redeemable for cash or discount, is available to GST and non-GST registered New Zealand residents only. Employees of Toyota New Zealand Limited, Toyota Financial Services Limited, their advertising agents, subsidiaries and Toyota dealership staff, and their immediate families are not eligible for the offer. Vehicles may differ slightly from those pictured. For full terms and conditions visit our website.

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Kiwi Ford owners and fans are sure to be pleased with the announcement this week by Ford Motor Company to invest a further $103 million in clean technology and additional upgrades across the Australian-

produced Falcon and Territory lines.The investment will enhance the competi-

tiveness of Falcon and Territory by further reducing CO2 emissions and improving Falcon’s already enviable safety profile. The

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2014 and will take Falcon through to at least the end of 2016.

Ford Australia’s product line up now offers customers vehicles with enhanced environmental performance and reduced running costs in every segment in which Ford participates, including Fiesta ECOnetic and diesel, Mondeo EcoBoost, Focus diesel, Territory Diesel, Ranger Diesel and Falcon EcoLPi. Falcon EcoBoost will be launched in the first half of 2012.

“Ford Australia’s $103 million investment in the design, engineering and manufacture of Falcon and Territory from 2014 contin-ues our focus on providing vehicles with enhanced environmental performance in every segment in which we compete,” says Ford Australia chief executive Bob Graziano.

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“This $103 million investment is also good news for jobs, as it will provide direct employment for about 300 people during the design and engineering stages, as well as supporting jobs and investment across our supply chain.”

New Zealand customers can now confi-dently look forward to enjoying the benefits of Ford’s long-term investment into the growth of the brand.


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Speedway decade drives byBy Laura Weaser

As Baypark Speedway passes the 10 year milestone of high-speed mayhem, chief executive Ervin McSweeney sat down with Bay Driver reporter Laura Weaser to

address some of the issues during the years and what’s ahead for the future of racing entertainment in Tauranga. Getting a premiere speedway venue up and

running is the combination of hard work, team work and a working recipe for success according to Ervin McSweeney.

For him, he sees the speedway as just part of what they do – six months of the year when the speedway holds at least 17 meet-ings in the summer/autumn months. Ervin says the key is in “action on the track, plenty of vehicles and well set up facilities”.

“The speedway events are very much across the ‘family-style entertainment’ spectrum, even more than perhaps something like rugby.

“We want to put on good entertainment, so

the fi rst part is to attract a good number of drivers. Then it is about the other entertain-ment that sits around speedway, like the fi reworks and the caravan demo derby and things like that.”

One of the changes in the last 10 years that fi t with Ervin’s direction is the changing in hands of promotion duties. Long-time promoter Willie Kay, who operated as a private entity, has been replaced by Roger Bailey, who operates as part of Tauranga City Venues Ltd.

This season, which began in November 2011, is showing the new promotions and Baypark developments are having a positive effect. Early indications show driver numbers are up nearly 50 per cent than the same time in 2010, with 121 local drivers registered this season, compared to 81 at the same time in 2010. In addition, there have been up to 15 visiting drivers from other regions adding to the tally each meeting.Roger says he is thrilled with the response.

“It’s great. Not only does it intensify the competi-

tion between drivers,

but it adds huge value for the spectators who get to enjoy double the action.”

But with every success comes criticism. The Guy Fawkes fi reworks on November 5, 2011 were cancelled due to the Rena wildlife response centre’s concern for the penguins and numbers appeared low at the races. Local media was also inundated with complaints regarding rough security over spectator’s own food and drink, high food prices and low-quality facilities. When asked to respond to the complaints, Ervin says the security was perhaps overzeal-ous on the fi rst meet because the speedway was trying to enforce a policy that worked for major stadiums – but was “too tough for what we are trying to do”.

“We contract with a company for security and tickets. We are in close liaison with them and we want them to treat our customers as their customers. They have to implement the policy in a friendly, but fi rm way so that people aren’t having ridiculous things happen to them, but they are still following the rules.”

Baypark now allows visitors to bring home-made food, hot beverages in a thermos and

cold water in personal water bottles, but no bulk catering, commercial food or beverages are allowed on site and no alcohol.

“We have adjusted the policy to refl ect what we think is appropriate,” says Ervin. “We have always intended people could bring their own food from home and we don’t want their water tipped out so long as there is no alcohol.”

Ten years have gone and many more will follow as far as Ervin is concerned. He says the immediate goal for the future is to make the speedway a “more rounded entertainment spectacle”, making the ties stronger with the new TECT Arena at Baypark to bring in those who perhaps aren’t drawn to the purr of a car’s engine.

“I am pretty happy so far to be honest. We have had a fantastic amount of support and help and people are willing to assist us, know-ing we are just starting off on this road. I’m pretty happy with what we have done so far.”

The next event at Baypark Speedway is the midgets invitation event on January 28. For more information visit www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz

Baypark chief executive Ervin McSweeney.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

bay driver 13/01/12

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