Variety is the spice
Land Rover Discovery From $65,960
No less than 25 variants of the new Disco go on sale Monday with a price range from $65,960 for the base model TD4 S to $132,160 for the limited First Edition TD6.
Buyers will have a choice of three turbo diesels: a 2.0-litre with 132kW/430Nm in TD4 variants; a 177kW/500Nm tune of the same engine in SD4 versions and the V6 with 190kW/600Nm in the TD6.
Braked towing capacity is unchanged at 3500kg and all versions are fitted with autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning and reversing camera.
The TD4 versions ride on steel springs and adding air suspension costs $2060. Opting for seven seats will cost $3400$4500. Those wanting ultimate off-roader ability will need $1080 for the locking rear diff and $2060 for the “terrain response” software. Connectivity is a big feature of the new model and it can be optioned with up to nine USB ports, a Wi-fi hotspot for eight devices and six 12V outlets.
Renault Megane From $27,490
Megane sedans and wagons have joined the hatch in showrooms to give Renault a full mid-size arsenal.
The sedan, powered by a 1.2litre four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, will be sold in Zen and Intens versions. The wagon comes in Zen, GT-Line and GT spec, the latter’s upgrade bringing a 1.6litre four-cylinder and fourwheel steering. Prices range from $28,490 to $39,490.
The Zen wagon and hatch can add autonomous emergency braking and lanedeparture warning for $700. The features are standard on other versions, along with blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control.
Standard gear includes an electronic park brake, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with satnav, eight-speaker audio and auto lights and wipers.
VW Golf From $23,990
The improved “Mark 7.5” Golf goes on sale next week with eight versions of the hatch and six wagons.
Prices for the entry hatch are up by $1000 over the outgoing model but the equipment list has also grown, including a more powerful 1.4-litre turbo (110kW/250Nm), city speed autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, eightinch infotainment screen with Android/Apple smartphone mirroring and seven airbags. A six-speed manual is standard; the seven-speed dual-clutch auto adds $2500.
The Trendline adds auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors and a fold-out rear armrest with cupholders for $24,990.
Adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane departure warnings and semi automated parking are in $1500 bundle on Trendline, Comfortline and Highline variants. Performance versions, including the GTI hatch and all-wheel-drive R wagon, are expected to arrive in August, priced at $41,490 and $52,990 respectively.