Subaru unveils the Crosstrek
Subaru's XV has evolved, with the popular, AWD compact SUV reimagined and re-christened as the Crosstrek.
A HIGHER-riding Subaru Legacy, launched recently at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, will be ideal for New Zealand rural roads, says the company’s managing director, Wallis Dumper.
The 2013 model rides 60mm higher than predecessors. And it has a new grille, front bumpers and sporty sills with chrome-type highlights, and exclusive 18-inch wheels.
“This new Legacy variant will be ideal for kiwi rural roads,” said Dumper. “We have a huge percentage of unsealed surfaces and the extra ride height adds to its capability in regional and rural areas.”
Interior detail changes include black metal-type centre panel, centre console and steering switch panel, the electronic park brake and SI-Drive switches are relocated for easier use.
“Another key aspect of this new Legacy variant is that the hip point is 70 mm higher than the current sedan, making entry and exit easier, which should really suit some of those traditional Calais and Fairmont drivers you see climbing out of their ‘gravel-rashed’ vehicles in most rural communities.
“Only three markets in the world – Australia, China and New Zealand – are getting this new variant.
“A lot of our rural roads are unsealed, about a third in fact. Obviously our all-wheel-drive Legacy is a great choice for these conditions and the new variant with its extra ground clearance makes an even stronger case, plus it provides a suitable environment for the farming executive of today.
“We see its main market to be in rural areas, but it will also be ideal for those with tricky driveways, those who travel with trailers, boats and caravans, or just those who want a sedan where you can sit a bit higher.
“The new variant will initially be available in New Zealand with a 3.6L engine with potential for the smaller 2.5-litre engine later.”
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.
Two major red meat sector projects are getting up to a combined $1.7 million in funding from the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
Angus Barr and Tara Dwyer of The Wandle, Lone Star Farms in Strath Taieri have been named the Regional Supreme Winners at the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards in Dunedin.
OPINION: The distress that the politicians and bureaucrats are causing to the people of Wairoa and the wider Tairāwhiti is unforgivable.
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.