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.
Holden has released details of the first-ever diesel Commodore, launching it alongside the first diesel-powered version of the new medium-size SUV, the Equinox.
The company believes the diesel Commodore, available in a liftback form or as a sport wagon, will find favour with fleet operators who want a large, comfortable vehicle with all-round drivability.
Their engines are rated at 400Nm torque from 1750rpm driving through eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency compared to the 2.0L petrol Commodore LT Liftback sees the diesel win by almost 2L/100km (5.5L versus 7.4L).
The Equinox diesel is a more family-orientated proposition in a three-model range, all powered by a 1.6L engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Like the diesel Commodore, the Equinox has fuel-saving auto stop/start technology as standard, and many passive and active safety aids which contribute to its five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Equinox line-up starts at the LT, moves to the LTZ and through to the range-topping LTZ-V, the former as a two-wheel drive, whereas the LTZ and LTZ-V are both all-wheel drive.
The Equinox diesel models replicate their petrol siblings in specifications, including heated front seats, built-in sat-nav, remote engine start and front park assist as standard, plus one-touch folding rear seats and four USB charge points throughout the vehicle.
The LTZ steps up specification with 19” alloys, LED headlamps and tail lamps, hands-free power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, front and rear seat heating and a Bose premium audio system. The top-spec LTZ-V ups the ante with a huge two-panel panoramic sunroof, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.
The Equinox and Commodore come with the distributor’s Complete Care package which includes three years free certified servicing, three years roadside assistance and three years warranty.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
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