The last of the Sports Cats
The launch of the Series 2 HSV SportsCat was an endorsement of the risky decision to take the performance brand into the crowded high-end ute market.
You might have to wait a while to buy one, but Holden will premiere the new Commodore Sportwagon at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
It’s said to have been on a diet compared to the current model: clever use of lightweight materials has shed 200kg from the overall weight, but the load space is still a useful 1640L.
Power plants will be a turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol or diesel, and a flagship V^ will deliver 230Kw and 370Nm torque.
A new adaptive all-wheel drive option will be available, combined with a twin clutch rear diff, and a first for Holden – a 9-speed auto transmission.
Expect to see plenty of bling: an automated rear door lift which works when you swing your foot under the rear bumper, head-up display so the driver keeps his eyes on the road, and the now almost obligatory safety features adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.
Also expect to see the love-it-or-hate it stop/start engine system and a new adaptive Flexi-Ride suspension system offering tour, standard or sport settings
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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