PAGE 18 Wednesday <strong>June</strong> 5 <strong>2019</strong> BAY HARBOUR Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Warmth is within reach this winter Get at least 67% of the cost of insulation covered. Find out if you are eligible. A Warmer Kiwi Homes grant is a big deal. It could save you at least 67% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation and give you a warm and comfortable home this winter. To be eligible for a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant you will need to: • be the homeowner (owner-occupier) of a home built before 2008, AND • have a Community Services Card or SuperGold Combo card, OR • own and be living in a home in an area identified as lower-income. Call 0800 358 676 or visit www.energywise.govt.nz to use the checklist to see if you are eligible. A service provider will then be in touch to provide a quick assessment and quote.
Wednesday <strong>June</strong> 5 <strong>2019</strong> Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi BAY HARBOUR PAGE 19 GT-Line gives the Kia brand extra bite Motoring Ross Kiddie KIA MOTORS New Zealand is doing everything it can to raise the profile of its ever-increasing line-up. Amidst its range of sport utility vehicles and passenger cars is new branding, the GT-Line is stretching further into the company’s mix. GT-Line can be found in new Cerato and Sportage, and those variants generally have more features and a slant towards higher performance – engine and suspension. One other model stands out with its GT-Line badge, and that is the Rio, a smallish hatchback which has already made a name for itself in the market for its practicality and economy. The Rio lands here in entry-level form at $23,490 which makes it an affordable package and there are higher grade options depending on how you would like it specced. Topping the range is a $28,990 GT-Line which has an engine totally devoid from that of its stablemates. Instead of the tried and tested 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder unit, the GT-Line gets a turbocharged three-potter which is squarely aimed at Suzuki’s $28,500 Swift Sport, in terms of its position in the market. The 1-litre engine is considerably more powerful than the base model unit, yet it is also more economical and, being lightweight in design, it promotes an agile handling feel. Power is rated at a healthy 88kW and 171Nm, the turbo boost ushering in a long torque curve – 1500rpm to 4000rpm. Maximum power arrives at 6000rpm, but bottom end strength is strong enough to meet the red-line without becoming breathless. For the three-cylinder novice you will firstly notice the harmonics associated with the design, it appears lumpy and doesn’t always seem balanced, that’s not really the case it just seems that way. However, it does have a characteristic tone and that is manifested through the cabin, that’s not a bad thing, I like the sound and the feeling it generates, it adds to the sporty sensation Kia is trying to achieve with the GT-Line. Drive is channelled through a seven-speed, dual clutch transmission, therein lies another notable sensation, there isn’t total harmony between the engine and gearbox, there are times when the two don’t feel thoroughly connected, notably when entering or leaving reverse. That aside, in all other circumstances it works sweetly, shifts are quick and combine to promote the feel you would expect from a car wearing a GT badge. Performance is quite lively given the engine has a displacement of just 998cc. It will launch the Rio to 100km/h from a standstill in around 10sec and will happily shift down for a highway overtake in 6.6sec (80km/h to 120km/h). The Rio in this form hasn’t lost sight of its purpose, it is still the economical fuel miser of its counterparts - the LX, EX and Limited. Kia NZ gives the turbo Rio a 5.4-litre per 100km (52mpg) combined cycle average. Unfortunately, my time on the highway was thwarted by a puncture and I didn’t do anywhere near the amount of kilometres I would have preferred. However, I can report that the Rio GT-Line has spirited behaviour and tidy • Price – Kia Rio GT-Line, $28,990 • Dimensions – Length, 4065mm; width, 1725mm; height, 1450mm • Configuration – Threecylinder, front-wheeldrive, 998cc, 88kW, 171Nm, seven-speed automatic. • Performance – 0-100km/h, 10sec • Fuel usage – 5.3l/100km KIA RIO GT-LINE: Turbocharged 1-litre engine. handling manners. Kia has uprated the suspension quite noticeably, the GT-Line sits very firm on the road and doesn’t absorb much in the way of road ripples. A bit of that has to do with the low profile of the tyres (2<strong>05</strong>/45 x 17in) and the restricting nature of the tube beam rear axle that prohibits rear wheel freedom. However, the handling benefits are at the forefront, the Rio GT-Line has sporty dynamics, it steers sweetly into a corner and powers out with composure. Directional accuracy is sharp and body balance over the suspension is well contained thanks to the firming. As sporty as the Rio GT-line suggests, it is still the practical family car, the five-door layout is appealing and the levels of comfort aren’t overly compromised, bearing in mind that at just over 4m, the Rio as a range isn’t big on space,however, it does make good use of its compact proportions and will satisfy with its level of comfort. Kia in New Zealand knows it has to compete hard, in all of its markets there are other brands with tempting product. I’m not sure the Rio GT-Line has the spark to pip the Swift Sport, but I do know is that Kia NZ will be aggressive with its marketing, and it will certainly sell to those who want something just a little different in their performance car purchase. A BRANCH OF Proudly providing legal advice to the community for over 25 years P 03 384 5350 www.younghunter.co.nz Dyers Road Landscape & Garden Supplies • Barks • Peastraw • Composts - we supply the best available • Aggregates - Chip, Round and Basecourse • Pavers & Schist products • Pungas • Decorative Stones & Landscaping Rocks • Trailer Hire first hour free with purchase • Bag & Bulk - pick up or delivered David, Carol & Mike Adam Curtin Solicitor akc@younghunter.co.nz Michelle Rossiter Legal Executive mjr@younghunter.co.nz We will deliver! 186 Main Road, Redcliffs SOIL AND HARDFILL DUMPING Phone: 03 384 6540 183 Dyers Rd, Bromley • OPEN 7 DAYS Weekdays 7.30am-5pm. 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