TE AWAMUTU’S MONTHLY MOTORING MAGAZINE, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2009

2 ~ Rod and Custom Club defending title. 6,7 ~ Ford V - its the Hamilton 400. 10 ~ DriveBy goes offroad with the experts. 11 ~ The international phenomenon of Top Gear Live.

THREEPEAT FOR WILKSBROOKE ~ P3

Practicality, Performance 6745600AA Plus The Picnic Table

INGHAM 2002 CRV Sport 5 door, nighthawk black, 2.4, 4WD, LMVD Te Awamutu a/c, air bags, CD radio, elec sunroof, Cnr Mahoe St + Arawata St, PAS, power windows, ABS, picnic Te Awamutu. Ph 871 5630 table, good kms TREVOR HOSE - 021 298 4271 a/h 07 872 1770 DAVE MOORE - 021 244 1032 $19,500 6745581AA Total Muscle comes to Meremere Automotive & Te Awamutu rodders defending club title Engineering Ltd

• Farm & General Engineering - On & Off Site • Cowshed Repairs and Alterations • Feed Pads • Tractor Bucket Repairs W.O.F SERVICING TOWBARS BULLBARS REPAIRS MUFFLERS ALLOY WELDING CERTIFIED WELDING

TE AWAMUTU Rod and Custom Club’s winning 2008 team (from left) Ricky Brown, Noel McMillan and Stu Brown with their silverware and an autographed sign from the dragstrips former days. he fi rst weekend of April will again being heralded as a drag racing of existence, Bay Rodders has been see some of the best side- double-header, as it runs the day be- instrumental in continuing to promote Tby-side racing when the New fore the Nostalgia Drags held at Mer- hot rodding by their involvement in Zealand Hot Rod Magazine Club emere’s Fram Autolite all facets of the sport, Championships and Worlds End Tau- Dragway. It is planned but in particular it has a ranga Nostalgia Drags head to Mer- to attract in excess of long history in promoting emere’s Fram Autolite Dragway. 100 NZHRA affi li- drag racing. And defending Te Awamutu Rod ated members making An added bonus at the and Custom Club’s 2008 title will be up 25 teams for a fun Nostalgia Drags will be

6279674AA at least three local teams - and maybe day of drag racing in the appearance of Aussie a fourth from the female members. their hot rods. dragracing legend Victor Run for 30 consecutive years the The NZ Hot Rod Magazine Club Bray with one of his Castrol 1957 NZ Hot Rod Magazine Club Champs Champs is currently promoted and run cars, as well as it being the fi nal round 452 BOND ROAD, TE AWAMUTU is still going despite the rollercoaster by Bay Rodders in association with of the top door slammers series. PH: 07 870 6255 FAX: 07 870 6256 ride of the many external and internal NZHRA and Fram Autolite Drag- Meremere gates open at 8am and infl uences that affect racing. way. There is much history behind Bay qualifying gets underway at 9am. MOB: 021 743 227 This year’s event is the 31st run- Rodders and this brings much synergy 2008 Te Awamutu Rod and 6336674AA6756853AA6336674AA ning of the Club Champs and once to the event. Over their 40 years Custom Club in action... P9. YAMAHA BIKE SERVICING • FARM • TRAIL • ROAD We at Norwoods have been servicing YAMAHA bikes for the last 20 years, Had an Accident utilising genuine Yamaha parts.

Need a Tow Truck LOU BROWN OUR TRAINED Need a Courtesy Car YAMAHA TECHNICIAN will go the extra mile Windscreen Chipped or Broken to ensure your • State of the Art Autorobot Chassis Alignment System satisfaction. • Your local Smith & Smith Autoglass service centre • Repair small chips and cracks in your car windscreen A RECOMMENDED REPAIRER FOR • Vero • AA • SIS • AMP • Axiom • Lumley Insurance • Tower Insurance • Farmers Mutual Group • AMI Insurance • NZI Insurance • State insurance CALL US TODAY ABOUT THE NEXT SERVICE FOR YOUR YAMAHA SERVICE DIRECT LINE 872 0232 TONY FABISH PANELWORKS Farm Machinery Centre TONY FABISH www.norwoods.co.nz/teawamutu 410 Bond Road, Te Awamutu His years of experience ensure your vehicle is fully repaired TELEPHONE HAMILTON TOLL FREE 859 OHAUPO ROAD FACSIMILE PH 871 5069 • FAX 871 4069 back to factory specifi cations 07 872 0232 07 849 6000 TE AWAMUTU 07 871 8190 6746104AA 6746111AA The power of visualisation Across the ditch onda has claimed Australia’s longest running and most re- spected motoring award - Wheels - with Hthe Accord Euro delivering an exceptional package of driver satisfaction, passenger comfort, and all-round user-friendli- ness.

WILKSBROOKE MOTORS winning team could visualise the Dealer of the Year Award for the whole of 2008.

inning Mazda Dealer of the Year brooke Motors took the top honour by the of fourth best seller in New Zealand - so the Euro triumphed after a rigorous evaluation and for the third straight year may be clearest margin recorded. company is big enough to matter and small road testing process that saw 35 eligible models culled to an Wunprecedented in the award’s 16 It made Wilksbrooke Motors the most suc- enough to care. initial shortlist, and then a fi nal four. year history, but it was not unexpected for the cessful dealership in the award’s history. “Mazda has a winning range of great vehi- “Dynamically, the Honda Accord Euro is outstanding,” notes staff and owners of Wilksbrooke Motors. They have now won the Dealer of the Year cles,” says Mr Wilks. Wheels editor, Ged Bulmer. Immediately after being presented with the fi ve times in the past 12 years and have also This includes the Mazda2, last year’s World Australia’s original new car award was established in 1963 and 2007 award this time last year the decision been awarded Rural Dealer of the Year on nu- Car of the Year, Mazda6, 2008 Auto Car of recognises only the very best vehicle, meticulously identifi ed from was made that if there was a chance for the merous occasions. the Year for medium vehicles, and the RX8, a diverse fi eld of hopefuls. In some years the award has even been ‘threepeat’, then this was it. The Wilks say their best asset is their staff. 2008 National Business Review’s Sports Car withheld so as to maintain its own high standards. Owners Grant and Shirley Wilks employed “Our clients know and trust our people.” of the Year to name just a few accolades. olden’s Commodore VE Omega Sedan has joined Ford’s the power of ‘visualise to materialise’ to achieve “We have good and loyal staff who can work In May this year is the launch of the all new FG Falcon and received a fi ve-star safety rating from the the goal. with us to achieve the goals we want for our Mazda3. Australasian New Car Assessment Programme. The Fal- Every department had posters showing the business.” Mazda continues to gain market share, even H con was the fi rst Australian built car to earn fi ve ANCAP stars. 2008 Dealer of the Year Award. Every staff “Being a successful dealership also brings in this tight economy. The result for Holden refl ects the introduction of a steering col- member knew what their award looked like, all many rewards for them.” And helping dealerships achieve their goals umn shroud energy absorber across the VE sedan range that helps they had to do was achieve it. Mr Wilks says everyone likes being on a is something Mazda New Zealand is good at. to reduce driver knee injuries, and a passenger seat belt reminder After all, achieving the previously unachiev- winning team, especially when there are tan- The awards are based on sales targets, parts on the Omega sedan, introduced in October 2008. able would be a great way for the company to gible benefi ts.” performance, customer satisfaction, service These improvements are in addition to the front passenger celebrate 30 years in business. The other crucial relationship is with Mazda department performance and dealership stand- side impact airbags and curtain airbags While Wilksbrooke Motors is one of New New Zealand. ards. that were made standard Zealand’s longest standing Mazda franchises Mr Wilks says the company is singularly fo- Mazda New Zealand keep the dealerships across the and the Wilks are Te Awamutu’s longest serv- cused on one job - Mazda vehicles. Some time informed of their performance in these areas on range ing car franchise owners, it shows they are still ago the Wilks made that same decision - to a regular basis so owners can monitor progress earlier prepared to work hard and smart to be at the concentrate on one franchise. They say that was and make modifi cations where necessary. this top of their game for their clientele. the best decision they made. Now of course no dealership has done four- year. Their ‘mission’ was so powerful that Wilks- Mazda holds a strong and growing position in-a-row! MAZDA 3 RUNOUT NOW ON!

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Mazda3 GLX Hatch Automatic $25,845 Mazda3 GSX Hatch + Sedan Automatic $28,345 • Includes 3 years mazdacare Genuine Servicing at no extra cost* • Includes GST! Plus On Road Costs • Promotional pricing valid to 31 March 2009, or while stocks last GET IN TO WILKSBROOKE MAZDA NOW *Terms and Conditions mazdacare Genuine Servicing valid for 3 years or 100,000km (whichever occurs fi rst), together with a 3 year, unlimited kilometres warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance cover. M-Deals only valid for sales concluded prior to 31 March 2009, or while stocks last. Please check with us to ascertain availability.

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2 DAY TICKET TO THE V8 SUPER CARS 18-19 APRIL TO THE FIRST 5 BUYERS OF NEW & USED VEHICLES FREE SOLD IN MARCH! (CONDITIONS APPLY) 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY SPORTIVO 2007 TOYOTA COROLLA GX 2007 TOYOTA RAV 4 2.4 VVT-i auto, power steer, a/c, ABS, alloys, spoiler, skirts. Latest model, 6 speed manual, a/c, ABS, airbags, CD, 2.4 auto, alloys, electrics, ABS, airbags, 5 door, 1 owner, 27,000kms, as new! 23,000kms tons of room.

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2005 TOYOTA HILUX 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA GL 2006 TOYOTA HILUX SRS 3.0 litre, intercooled diesel turbo, 4x2, 5 speed, 1800cc, 5 speed, 5 door, power steer, a/c, 4x4 double cab, 3.0 litre, intercooled diesel power steer, air cond, airbags, CD, tonneau airbags, CD, ABS, electrics, 1 owner, turbo, auto, power steer, air cond, ABS, airbags, cover, towbar, 1 owner and must sell at only 75,000kms. Must sell! CD stacker,1 owner, sold and serviced by us.

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29 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutu. Tel: 07 872 0017 AFTER HOURS: Les Murrel - Branch Manager 0275 656 565 Craig Dove - Vehicle Sales 021 034 2775 6746099AA First drive of Kiwi best seller GREAT By Dean Taylor t seems unbelievable, NEWS but in the more than I100 test drives I have YOU DON’T NEED done in nearly three years of DriveBy and previous Te TO REPAINT Awamutu Courier motoring pages, I have never driven ! New Zealand’s most popular car - the petrol Toyota Co- rolla. In July last year I did drive the impressive sport version of the Corolla with a 2 litre diesel engine, but recently I took out a basic GL 1.8 au- Small Panel and Paint tomatic to see what the fuss Jobs is all about. The 1.8 litre 16 valve Dual VVT-i engine devel- • Stone chips ops an impressive 100kW • Scratches and works well with the four • Bumper repairs speed automatic. • Bumper scuffs The interior of the Corolla is styly and functional. • Buffing I like the well lit display, And for an entry level EBD and BA braking. trol (TRC) are now standard hatch has very good storage • Polishing although it was a bit discon- model, you get a lot of And for 2009 the number across the full Corolla hatch options. • Decals removed

certing that if you run with features, including air condi- one selling car is receiving and sedan range, enhancing The base model sits on WE FIX • Mirrors (damaged paint) your lights on in daylight the tioning, electric everything, improvements to its safety the active safety features in 15” steel wheels with not display dims so much you a great stereo and heaps of features. New Zealand’s favourite car. bad looking full size covers. can’t see it. To be fair there safety features such as front Vehicle Stability Control Room and comfort is pret- No wonder this is a popu- •MOBILE SERVICE• may be an over-ride for that. and side airbags and ABS, (VSC) and Traction Con- ty good all around and the lar car. GUARANTEED TO ENHANCE MOST VEHICLES APPEARANCE contact: Paul Barnett 021 867 262 a/hrs - 07 871 4524 fax - 07 871 4504 email - [email protected]

www.novika.co.nz 0800 NOVIKA 0800 668452 6756233AA GREAT DEALSDEALS in Kihikihi 1989 Honda City 1994 Toyota Corolla 1.3XL 1994 Ford Laser Esprit 1.3 automatic, power steering, 13000cc, 5 speed manual, 1.6 litre, 5 speed, NZ new, alloy wheels, only NZ new, power steering, alloy wheels, spoiler, 144,000 kms and CD player, tow bar, CD player, in good condition. popular 5 door hatch 5 door liftback, A real petrol miser in very tidy condition great value.

$2500 $4995 $2995 DRIVE AWAY DRIVE AWAY DRIVE AWAY 1997 BMW 318Ti 2001 Toyota Avalon VXi 1998 Mazda Capella 1800cc auto, dual airbags, 3.0 V6, auto, 4x airbags, 1.8 auto, dual airbags, abs brakes, factory alloys, abs brakes, CD player, alloy wheels, abs brakes, a/c, absolutely a/c, alloy wheels. traction control, a/c, stunning in A very smart one for the burgandy metallic, family car, bargain hunter quality European be quick motoring

$6995 $7995 $3995 OR NO DEPOSIT $54/WEEK OR NO DEPOSIT $65/WEEK OR NO DEPOSIT $38/WEEK 1999 Nissan Primera GXE 1995 Nissan Terrano 1994 Honda Ascot Top of the range model with 2.7 diesel turbo, auto, a great 2.5 auto, very smart alloys, airbags, ABS brakes, looker in blue, alloys, in charcoal with alloys alarm, a/c, CD player. CD player, towbar, and rear spoiler, A nice, tidy car all electrics, CD player, good condition abs brakes, traction control

$5995 $5995 $3995 OR NO DEPOSIT $47/WEEK OR NO DEPOSIT $47/WEEK DRIVEAWAY Town & Country Motors Waikato Ltd 41 Lyon Street, Kihikihi Ph: 07 871 8183 Fax: 07 871 8165 - Email: [email protected] www.townandcountrymotors.co.nz Ph: Michael Bryant 0274 230119 6745642AA 670674561 6715476AA6746109AA

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6687674AA One lastyear, and,GregMurphy(right)isfiredupduringapracticelapinhisCommodore. INAUGURAL HAMILTON 400ACTION: NewZealandteenager,ShaneVan awheelonhisFalcon lifts Gisbergen(LEFT) as he exits thema Ford, HoldenbattlecontinuesinHamilton OFF-THE-SHELF andFord PERFORMANCE:HoldenVECommodoreSSV(left) FGFalcon XR8. the streetsofhamilton. beforetheactioncomesbackto melbourne GrandPrixthere istheAustralian meetin Clipsal 500inAdelaideaweek,then R The 2009 series gets underway withthe The 2009seriesgetsunderway the weekendofApril17-19. V8 SupercarscomestoHamiltonover ound 3ofthemuchanticipated2009 co.nz website. sociated eventsareonthewww.v8supercar. GT1. NZV8, Porsche, Toyota Racing Seriesand tice andracing,therearesupportclassesfrom Most oftheteamsareracinglatest aboutracing,ticketsandas- Information As wellasthreedaysofV8Supercarprac- 853•Email: [email protected] Holden orFairview Motorsoff-the-shelf per- suspension andbrakes. speed gearboxwithracedevelopedchassis, ing about500kWat7500rpm,throughasix cons. Holden VECommodoresorFord FGFal- If youheadtoTe Awamutu’sRosetown a5litreV8develop- A V8Supercarruns Phone 870 2217 AlexandraSt,Te Awamutu 1423 Check infor • Roadusercharges offitness • Certificate • Vehicle registration • Driverlicensing • Pre-purchaseinspection • Warrant offitness and Sat 8.00 to12noon Mon toFri 8.00amto5.00pm SAFE ON THE ROAD! ONTHE SAFE EPYU VEHICLE KEEP YOUR hc in Check Check infor ck info

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AA 6748324A 30AA T Proceeds fromtheeventaredonatedtoWest- Venue isWaipa racecourseandcostisagoldcoin Gates openat7.30amforthispopularevent with assistancefromTe AwamutuVehicle En- byWaikatoSwap Meetrun Triumph Club he annualClassicCarShowandallmakes Save thousandsonnewprice Ex Demo. FG XR6 Falcon FORD 2008 lxnr t TE AWAMUTU Alexandra St, Priced tosell. 1 owner, only26,000km. 2005 MAZDAE2000Van NOW air conditioning Double cab,4WD, 2007 FORDRangerXLT air cond T/bar, lowkms,4x4,CDstereo, 2007 FORDEscapeXLT $38,990 www.fairviewmotors.co.nz NOW NOW NOW $35,990 $24,990 $18,990 L . the areasweassess,particularlyroadsafety.” wellinall lent andaffordablecarthatperforms says theHyundaii30DieselElite“isanexcel- pact carclassistheHyundaii30DieselElite. execution, valueformoneyandsafety. dynamics,practicality,on design,performance, awards wasassessedbyanexpertpanelofjudges assessment toassistwiththeircarpurchases. motorists withanindependent They alsoprovideNewZealand tomotorists. in areasofconcern lence amongstnewvehiclesand andrewardexcel- aim toidentify ing industry. The annual awards AA MotoringAwards M . T “The Hyundaii30DieselEliteclosesthegap “The GMTechnicalAA Stella Stocks, Services, The SupremeWinnerandwinnerofthecom- Each ofthe52vehiclesenteredinthisyear’s V keyless entry 4 airbags,aircond,alloys,CDplayer, 2002 FORDMondeoZ-Tec . rear spoiler 6 stackCD,electrics,aircon,towbar, 2001 FORDEscapeXLT WAS $24,990 Flatdeck, 44,000Km. 2006 FORDCourierHighCountry D . the OscarsofNewZealandmotor- MotoringExcellenceAwards, 2009 AA hasannouncedthewinnersof he AA H802535 870 PH NOW NOW NOW $23,200 $12,990 $12,990 liver more than expected in every area,providing liver morethanexpectedinevery with Europe’sbest.Itgoestheextramiletode- toring Journalist –ShaunSummerfield. toring Journalist Car – Polo BlueMotionDiesel,Mo- Safest Car–Peugeot 308XSP, Environmental cus XR5Turbo, CustomerSatisfaction–Honda, – Volvo XC60 DS,Performance Car–Ford Fo- – Volkswagen Tiguan Crossover 2.0TDI,Large A63.0TFSI,SmallCrossover mium Car–Audi ecutive Car–SkodaSuperb2.0TDI125,Pre- Car–HoldenSportwagonSV6,Ex- sel, Large Sport, MediumCar–Ford Mondeo ZetecDie- Award winnersare:SmallCar–Fiat 5001.4 The other 2009 AA MotoringExcellence The other2009AA dual airbags Low kms,5speed,aircond, 2002 MAZDADemio 58,000km keyless entry, NZnew, 4 airbags,turbo,CDplayer, Diamante ESWagon 2003 MITSUBISHI keyless entry Dual airbags,airconditioned, 2006 FORDFiesta entry, economical 5 spd,stereo,aircon,keyless 2003 FORDFocus o 2 8 4987 485 027 mob McCONNACHIE evaluated.” / 7 4578, 871 a/h alongside themanualtransmissionwe GRANT the automaticmostKiwisdemand, a torqueydieselengineandoffers in acompactcarpurchase.Ithas all therightanswerstobuyers demanding honesty and frugality demanding honestyandfrugality NOW NOW NOW NOW $12,990 $12,990 o 2 2493841 027 mob $10,990 $10,990 MANIAPOTO / 7 4954 871 a/h PAUL SPORTS & LEISURE OPTIONS Campervan and Now your local Prestige Caravan Agent

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200Subaru Impreza 2005 Mazda 3 204Holden Rodeo 2005 55,000kms 38,000kms, 3.0L diesel WAS $23,990 only 57,000kms.

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ACCREDITED CAR VALET NOW AVAILABLE DEALER 6755896AA ADVERTORIAL Club drag champions Farmers benefi t from Honda Support as it celebrates No.1 position! 0% INTEREST FINANCE Honda, the number one choice of Kiwi farmers, is introducing fi nancial support to farmers for March and April period of 0% Interest fi nanced through MTF and the Honda Dealer network. “We had a great year in 2008, so to celebrate we are kicking off the farming autumn season with a 0% deal” said GM of Honda Motorcycles NZ, Phill Haynes. He added, “So there’s never been a better time to take advantage of pre-price rise stock.”

suspension to toughen up the performance and prevent cross-slope unsettling. Another example of Honda proving that there is often a better solution than simple importing the USA spec leisure-oriented set-up for farmers.

TRX420FPM MEMBERS of the 2008 Te Awamutu Rod and Custom Club’s Club Championship winning team, Ricky Brown (above) and Noel McMillan (below) in action at last year’s event. NEW MODELS FOR 2009 Photos courtesy of New Zealand Hot Rod Magazine. Honda has also just launched four new utility work models directly aimed at making farmers lives easier, and safer. Perhaps this focus on the farmers needs is a direct reason why Honda This double option of rigid beam axle on the 4x4 continues to be Number One for farmers! Man - This option of rigid beam axle on the 4x4 All things considered it wouldn’t surprise many Manual or the IRS-ASB on the 4x4 Auto-shift that Honda’s red ATV machines and 2-wheel means Kiwi farmers have the best of both worlds farm bikes achieved the top sales position on to choose from. Add the power steering option farms in New Zealand in 2008. Why, because on both models, and there is the perfect bike since the mid-80’s these all-round go-anywhere whatever the requirements. tools have been the main form of transport But it doesn’t stop there - no sooner does the everywhere from the lush green and rolling dairy ink dry on their range list than along comes farms to the most remote and rugged drystock their big brother, the 500 Foreman with a power stations. it’s rare now to see a farmer not on one, steer model too. The TRX500FPE comes with the in fact, most farms now have two, or at least same power steering and a 5-speed manual box a 2-wheeler farm bike and a quad, (or ‘ATV’ as with Honda’s handlebar-mounted electric shift the utility multi-purpose racked versions are for ultimate ease of use, while retaining all the called). benefi ts of a manual, such as powerful engine The new models are pretty unique though and braking and manual gear selection. All these have been specifi cally designed for the farm versions bring ease and convenience to the market, not the USA domestic leisure trailing farmer or farm worker, but also increased safety. oriented models which prevail in the American The ELECTRONIC power steer boasts a self- sales fi gures.So, what makes them different and centering feature and reduces arm impact to the of most note to the Kiwi farmer? Well mainly its rider (bump-steer). So arm-pull and arm-jar just the drive train and the suspension set up which don’t happen. Those who spend hours a day on makes them more work tool than SUV trails bike. rough terrain will fi nd this indispensable. But also now Honda have decided to introduce the option of Power Steering to its work spec “Just like cars and tractors, you’ll popular manual geared versions. never go back to non-power steer.” POWER STEER on THE BASIC 420cc Manual 4x4 Honda see their Electronic Power Steering This is the fundamental secret to the Honda ATV as a work tool and safety feature not a ‘top of success story, the combination of the right work the range fl agship’ option for its top end 680 enhancing tools fi tted to the right basic spec. models. Competitors have also been providing Farmers want the manual gearbox. power steer - but only on their top-end automatic Also new for the farmer is the new 2-wheeler versions. These ‘leisure designed’ models don’t range, the NXR125ES joins the big selling satisfy the Kiwi farmers harsh environment and CTX200 and CT110. specifi c needs. Existing offering of power steer have been only the large 600cc + models. NXR125ES Mostly too large and expensive for the daily work tool, they only account for only about 15% of the Kiwi market, so what about the other 85% of demand in NZ - well they choose the 350 to 500cc manual geared 4 wheels drive version to power them through their daily chores. One of the key secrets to Honda’s successful The NXR125ES, sorely missed from the range in range is that all their utility ATV machines have 2008, is not a true newcomer to farms having engines longitudinally mounted in the frame, been previously available, but is now upgraded providing the power through a direct drive shaft with Electric Start and new colour options of to the front and rear differential. Instead of using white or blue as well as Honda’s traditional red. chains or belts from a transverse drive, this This model is the only 4-stroke, electric-start confi gurationboth reduces power loss and helps and economical 125cc offering to farmers, and weight balance. Honda also sticks vehemently to is suspected to sell out through the season. It’s the rigid rear beam axle suspension set up for equipped with carry racks, bar protectors and its manual work machines (the safest design for chunky knobby tyres. Fully road-legal, it qualifi es off-road vehicles) which while it gives a fi rmer for Farm Registration. ride, is both simple in construction, and low Also joining the Farm range Honda dealers can maintenance (farmers love that!). This design now offer farm spec racked versions of the ever keeps the loaded frame, racks and seated rider popular CRF150F and the CRF230F models. stable and the frame parallel to the ground on Dealers will soon have these exciting Kiwi-spec the slopes, the rear wheels fi rmlyplanted square options. to the ground, and the centre of gravity lower, CRF230F enhancing off-camber stability. But that’s fairly old news (dating back to the original Big Red 300cc), the latest 2209 enhancements are the icing on the cake for modern farmers who now have fewer hands for their multi-tasking roles. NEW APPLIED TECHNOLOGY So with these models added to the already Twin Clutch Auto 5 Speed. popular CT110 (step-through) and CTX200 Electric Start AG model, this 5-bike two-wheeler The introduction of a new farm range now tops the market as the widest twin clutch auto-shift offering to the farmer along-side the best work option to the 420cc is an spec ATV’s. industry fi rst and gives Honda a unique product. Farmers will welcome the CURRENCY IMPACTS PRICING move of retaining the proven The word on the street is that the plummeting NZ$ 5 speed manual box, but now also offering a against the Japanese Yen and US$, the price of all model with the proven automotive twin-clutch imported goods is about to go up. Many already *Terms & Conditions Apply have. Honda has said it will increase prices in April auto shifting. Those with less experience, and once the current batch of stock has gone. Purely our ageing farm population will value the feature because of the devalued NZ$, imported goods Vaughan Glidden: Mob 021 720 122 Shane Blackwell: Mob 021 740 890 Peter Glidden: Mob 021 720 128 too, especially where multi-users wanting today versus last September is now have a 50%+ ease of use are the priority over simple rugged higher landed cost. Depending on a company’s PETER GLIDDEN HONDA manual models. world pricing policy, particularly cars and bikes and P And this model comes with IRS, independent machinery are all rising or about to. rear suspension for comfort and speed, howeverP 462 OHAUPO RD - TE AWAMUTU PH 871 7317 again with a Honda unique twist, they have centralised the rear braking system and added @xtra.co.nz [email protected] [email protected] a stiff anti-sway bar ‘ASB’ across the rear 6633422AA DriveBy goes off road with the experts

By Dean Taylor he concept of taking a vehicle into seem- ingly impossible situations is beyond the Trealm of most drivers - but for Pete and Deb Ritchie of Natural Instincts it is ‘the norm’. The couple run 4WD training and adventures and were in Otorohanga recently at the invitation of Excelsior Nissan so clients could experience off- roading and learn and practice valuable skills. Going with Pete around his course you learn two things: He can drive off-road, and; he under- stands what makes his vehicle tick. The latter is because he takes the time to learn about vehicles. Pete drives a Nissan ST-X Navara auto, but says no matter what the vehicle, people need to learn about the technology available and then use it to the best of yours and its ability. In fact he says the vehicle’s ability will be greater than the driver’s these days, so make sure you know how to best utilise the technology you have paid for. The driving skills come from practice. It takes some nerve to back down a very steep hill in a paddock, or balance a large vehicle, with passen- gers, on three wheels - but once you have the skill and knowledge it is much easier. And Pete can pass on some great tips about getting into and out of trouble - be it on or off- road. Taking a drive with Deb on a tamer course gives you a chance to try a few of the things you have learnt. You need to trust her, the vehicle and yourself - but its cool because you fi nd you can actually learn and apply some new skills quite quickly. Natural Instincts run the Drive Day each year with Excelsior Nissan. Its free and fun. I recom- mend you give it a go. Nissan GT-R V8 safety car

Nissan has released photographs of its blistering GT-R sports coupe which will appear as the offi cial Safety Car during the upcoming 2009 Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series. Specially fi tted with high visibility safety lights inside the cabin, the Nissan GT-R makes its fi rst appearance at the V8 touring cars in Adelaide this Saturday. The promotional venture into Australia’s most celebrated automotive racing category is designed to attract and maintain public interest in the GT-R over its product life and focus attention on the Nis- san brand. T.A TOP TRUCK Top Gear - orchestrated mayhem SUPPLIES By Dean Taylor n my household, the announcement that 1994 Nissan Condor MK210 good 6.25L x 2.44W x 2.6H Top Gear Live was coming to New Zealand curtainsider, this is a very nice truck, Imeant a family trip to Auckland. new C.O.F, all set to go! As expected it was mainly the Jeremy Clark- $13,995 son show with some other people. As expected there were jokes about small ap- 1995 Isuzu F Series FSR 500 pendages, short people and gay presenters who late model, 130,000kms, 1 owner, didn’t turn up. As expected there were driving 6HE1 motor, flat deck 5.5L x 2.3W, and bike stunts, car football and races where towbar, has to be great buying! Clarkson won. It was fun. $10,995 But there were some cool cars, and we had a bit of a say about the Cool Wall and our audi- 2002 Isuzu NPR 250 ence was third fastest around the Top Gear track big 4.3 engine, only 171,000kms, 4490 GVM, drive on a car licence, very nice using voice activated engines and colour coded truck, canopy needs a little panel work! steering - or something like that. Plus there was a very good exhibition area $9,530 where you could take your time and browse (at very close quarters) at everything from some very 1996 Hino Ranger 3.4cc diesel, only 70,000k’s. rare supercars to the latest offerings from all the Top little unit and priced to sell at... major manufacturers. Top Gear Live was terrifi c fun and it can be re- $8,750 lived every Sunday night on Prime TV or through KIWI co-host Greg Murphy came not just with a personalised plate - but a whole the numerous books and DVDs on offer from the personalised car. According to Jeremy Clarkson that meant he has a small... 1984 Isuzu SBR An oldie but a goodie, 3 horse box show hosts and BBC. youknowwhat. So what does that say about Clarkson and his JC1 below? with room for accommodation. Will be ready soon, cheapest horse truck in NZ at only... $8,995

1996 Ford Trader 0712 7275 GVM, PTO steel deck 4m x 3 x 2100, swingtail gate, towbar, great buying! $8,995

MANY OTHER TRUCKS IN STOCK 6756683AA Ohaupo Road • Te Awamutu Mark Irwin Ph/Fax 870 1313 Mob 0274 965 629 THE Stig apparently soon left the press conference because he was Greg Irwin Ph/Fax 871 4724 Mob 0274 901 357 expected to answer questions.

Make the change every 4 years or 80,000kms

Change your TIMING BELT BEFORE IT BREAKS! and drastically changes your bank balance • An engine’s TIMING BELT is vital to its operation • A worn or broken TIMING BELT means engine failure and in most instances it will result in costly engine repairs not to mention the inconvenience of a breakdown • We service all makes and models

TE AWAMUTU MOTORS LTD Phone 871 5048 Direct Line 870 1362 Monday-Friday 7.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-12noon, CHURCHILL STREET, TE AWAMUTU

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MITSUBISHI

6745624AA 263 ALEXANDRA ST • TE AWAMUTU • PH 871 5257 6687654AA6746164AA6625813AA MOTORS NEW STOCK JUST LANDED! SAVE THOUSANDS - NO DEPOSIT FINANCE TAP

00 NISSAN PRESAGE C-2 ABLE 98 SPORT 95 FORD FAIRMONT 7 SEATER Full 7 seater, dual airbags, ABS, alloys, climate 1.5 twincam, full aero kit, new 17 inch alloys & Luxury model, excellent condition, airbags, air, full options, 3.0 V6, (4 in stock), AFFORD tyres, tinted glass, primium audio, full BE QUICK ABS, alloys, CD, trip computer, cruise, silver, affordable family vehicle, electrics, airbags, ABS, only 80kms, climate air, tow kit, nice colour, please compare value! very sporty, out it goes! 1st to view will buy! SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY

NO DEPOSIT TAP $11,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $8,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $4,990

03 VW GOLF GL-I 98 NISSAN PRIMERA S/W 02 MAZDA MPV SPORT AS NEW 1.6 SR engine, stunning vehicle, only 60,000kms by 5 SPEED 2.0, very rare 5 speed, only 75kms, as new STUNNING New generation, 2.3 twincam, full body kit, full 1 owner, 8 airbags, ABS, alloys, every power throughout, dual SRS, ABS, alloys, CD, 7 seater, only 60,000kms, multi airbags, ABS, option (4 others in stock), beautiful tow bar, nice colour, all options, alloys, full electrics, tinted glass, colour, unmarked condition! best available anywhere! very versitile seating, as new! SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY

NO DEPOSIT TAP $15,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $8,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $16,990

00 NISSAN CARAVAN 3.2D 01 MERCEDES BENZ E280 Y 01 VOLVO S80 2.0T DIESEL LWB, 3.2 (TD32) diesel, 5 speed, sold & 02 Reg, elegance, new generation 2.8 V6, tiptronic, 6 LUXUR 2.0 LPT, full leather, only 83,000kms, serviced by us, low Kms, bull/tow bars, SAVE $7000 airbags, ABS, factory alloys, full grey leather, airbags, 24 month warranty, beautiful tinted glass, 3 seater, total Nissan cruise, very hard to find, 24 month vehicle, SAVE $5000 reliability, trade persons dream! warranty, reduce $7000 to clear! SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY

NO DEPOSIT TAP $10,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $19,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $16,990

ARE 98 MITSUBISHI RVR-X2 LTD NO DEPOSIT FINANCE T.A.P 02 MAZDA ATENZA 23.5 1.8 GDi, tiptronic, only 75 kms, pearl white, POPULAR Wagon, 2.3 VVi engine, tiptronic, multi airbags, COMP LOW INTEREST RATES TO FINANCE ON NO DEPOSIT ABS, alloys, bose audio, spoiler, dual zone air, airbags, ABS, tinted glass, climate air, $5990.00 = $46 WEEKLY every extra, body kit, best for sale ALL THE MAJOR LENDERS $7990.00 = $53 WEEKLY TCS, DCS, tinted glass, 1 owner from anywhere, must view! $8990.00 = $60 WEEKLY new, low kms, stunning! SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS $9990.00 = $66 WEEKLY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY QUICK APPROVAL TIMES $10,990.00 = $72 WEEKLY $12,990.00 = $85 WEEKLY RESTRICTED LICENCE $13,990.00 = $91 WEEKLY $14,990.00 = $98 WEEKLY $20,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $7,990 NONEW IMMIGRANTS DEPOSIT TAP $15,990.00 = $105 WEEKLY NO DEPOSIT TAP

98-02 NISSAN ELGRANDS KMS 99 TOYOTA ECHO VITZ 01 NISSAN MARCH COLLETT 5 IN STOCK 3.2 diesel or 3.5 NEO V6, 5 fresh examples in 5 door, 00 registered, only 39,000kms by 1 owner, 3 IN STOCK 3 in stock now, twincam 16V, automatics, 5 doors, stock now, all fully optioned luxury 8 seaters, 39,000 top spec model, climate air, multi airbags, dual airbags, ABS, electrics, CD players, colour choice, all low kms, our top ABS, CD Hologram, neat colour, total Nissan Reliability & fuel economy, selling coach, test drive today! all extras, trade up today! all low kms & immaculate, look! SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY FROM $13,990 $8,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP NO DEPOSIT TAP $9,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP

97 MAZDA FAMILIA LS 04 VW TRANSPORT TDI 02 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE VALUE 1.5 twincam, auto, airbag, sold & serviced by TDi 4WD 4WD 4 motion, 2.5 TDi, 6 speed manual, NZ new, NZ NEW NZ new, new shape, only 38,000kms by 1 elderly us, popular model in immaculate order, full history, only 60,000kms, full options, owner, wine red, air cond, CD player, tow bar, fully optioned, ideal 2nd car, 1st to bright red, very rare, totally as new, quality motoring at an view will buy! Compare. unmarked, quality commercial. affordable price! Be quick! SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY $5,990 $11,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP NO DEPOSIT TAP $34,990 NONO DEPOSIT DEPOSIT TAP TAP

01 TOYOTA ALTEZZA GITA TE 01 NISSAN SUNNY EX 01 VW POLO LS RS200, 5 door, full body kit, low kms, 6 in dash CD, 1.4 EFi 16V, automatic, only 29,000kms by 1owner, 1.5 twincam NEO engine, only 60,000kms by 3 IN STOCK very high spec, driving lamps, tinted glass, 29,000KMS 5 door, 4 airbags, ABS, every option, CD system, IMMACULA 1 owner, top spec, multi airbags,m ABS, CD, multi airbags, ABS, alloys, 3 in stock, unmarked order throughout (GTi 5spd climate control, full Nissan history, neat beautiful car, must see. in stock also), must view! Wow! colour, this car is mint! Must view! SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY SALEPRICE DRIVEAWAY $15,990 $9,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP $11,990 NO DEPOSIT TAP NO DEPOSIT TAP WEEKLY PAYMENTS BASED ON NO DEPOSIT & 48 MTH TERM. SUBJECT TO FINANCE APPROVAL.

FREEPHONE 0800 16 90 90 • PHONE 07 871 4187 A/Hrs Justin 027 271 4310 • Nick 027 477 8569 RMVT M100853 www.whmotors.co.nz NO DEPOSIT FINANCE TAP 6745569AA MAIN SOUTH ROAD • TE AWAMUTU • OPEN 7 DAYS