AUTO ELECTRICAL

Your Local Vehicle Electrical ExpertsYour Local Vehicle Electrical Experts

AUTO ELECTRICALEXIDE BATTERIESAUDIO • ALARMSDIAGNOSTICSAIR CONDITIONING

PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

AFTER SALESSERVICE

Fitting farewell to Ford’s Falcon P4Waipa team tastes success at Targa P8

SEE MORE AT

SUV BLAZES TRAILWe drive Holden’s latest seven-seater P3

AUTOMOTIVE DIRECTORY

GLASS / PANEL / PAINTALEXANDRA AUTO BODY FABRICATION LTD6 Hanning Road, Pirongia.............................................07 872 8044 or Kevin 021 144 9989

KIHIKIHI AUTO BODY REPAIRS Havelock Street, off Leslie Street, Kihikihie: kihikihiautobody@xtra.co.nz........................................................................... 07 871 4746

NOVUS AUTO GLASS 53 Bond Road, Te Awamutue: novus.teawamutu@xtra.co.nz w: novus.co.nz............................................... 07 870 1411

TONY FABISH PANELWORKS Bond Road, Te Awamutue: fabishpanelworks@xtra.co.nz.......................................................................... 07 871 5069

AUTO SERVICING / REPAIRSA&H MOTORS 259 Rickit Road, Te Awamutue: aandhmotors@gmail.com w: facebook.com/AandhMotorsLtd .................. 07 871 6555

AUTO SUPER SHOPPE 177 Rickit Road, Te Awamutue: mail@thomsonmotors.co.nz w: autosupershoppeteawamutu.co.nz........... 07 871 7311

CRAIG MECHANICAL 2016 LTD 451/2 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutue: craigmechanical16@gmail.com w: facebook.com/craigmechanical ........... 07 871 5800

FIETEN MOTORS 1421 Owairaka Valley Road, Wharepapa Southe: fieten.motors@xtra.co.nz................................................................................ 07 872 2560

KIHIKIHI GARAGE 23 Leslie Street, Kihikihie: office@kihikihigarage.co.nz w: facebook.com/kihikihigarage ..................... 07 871 6710

LM AUTOMOTIVE 91 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutue: lmautomotive@xtra.co.nz w: lmautomotive.co.nz........................................ 07 871 8864

TOTAL AUTOMOTIVE & ENGINEERING 452 Bond Road, Te Awamutue: total.automotive@xtra.co.nz w: totalautomotiveltd.co.nz ........................... 07 870 6255

WAIPA AUTOMOTIVE LTD 90 Market Street, Te Awamutue: office@waipaauto.co.nz w: waipaauto.co.nz ................................................ 07 870 4000

AUTO ELECTRICALBRUCE GRAY AUTO ELECTRICALS 141 George Street, Te Awamutue: brucegrayauto@vodafone.co.nz..................................................................... 07 871 4821

DEANE MARK AUTO ELECTRICAL 225 Rickit Road, Te Awamutue: dmauto@xtra.co.nz w: deanemarkautolectrical.co.nz................................... 07 870 6006

SERVICING AND PARTS NEW/USEDFAIRVIEW MOTORS 132 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutue: info@te-awamutu.fairviews.co.nz w: fairviewmotors.co.nz .......................... 07 870 2535

INGHAM MITSUBISHI 133 Arawata Street, next to Mobil, Te Awamutue: sales@inghamta.co.nz w: inghamdriven.nz................................................... 07 871 5630

ROSETOWN HOLDEN Cnr Churchill and Mahoe Street, Te Awamutue: tmlsales@xtra.co.nz w: rosetownholden.co.nz ............................................. 07 871 5143

TOWN & COUNTRY MOTORS 41 Lyon Street, Kihikihie: les@townandcountrymotors.co.nz w: townandcountrymotors.co.nz.......... 07 871 8183

WAIKATO TOYOTA 29 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutue: salestea@waikato.toyota.co.nz w: waikato.toyota.co.nz.............................. 07 872 0017

WATSON HAWORTH MOTORS 52-58 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutue: whmts@xtra.co.nz w: whmotors.co.nz .......................................................... 07 871 4187

TYRES & MAGSTE AWAMUTU TYRE CENTRE LTD 473 Sloane Street, Te Awamutue: office@tatyres.co.nz ........................................................................................ 07 871 5676

CARTER’S TYRE SERVICE 148 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutue: carterstyresta@gmail.comw: www.carterstyres.co.nz......................................07 871 5577, 027 TYRE GUY (897 3489)

STAR BRAKES & TYRES 62 Lyon Street, Kihikihi ...........07 870 5326, mob 0212 223 443

OTHER SERVICESCH ALLEN LTD 243 Rickit Road, Te Awamutue: challen@xtra.co.nz........................................................................................... 07 871 6619

MTF Level 1, 62 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutue: teawamutu@mtf.co.nz w: mtf.co.nz ............................................................... 07 871 7006

ROSETOWN DRIVER TRAINING - STEVE GANEe: awayagane@gmail.com ................................................................................ 0274 125 000

ULTRA CLEAN CAR VALET 303 Rickit Road, Te Awamutue: m.ljtaylor@slingshot.co.nz............................................................................... 07 870 3452

WAIPA TOWING 136 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutue: waipatowing@xtra.co.nz.................... 0800 1WAIPA (192 472), 0800 WAYNEJ (929635)

MOTORCYCLESTREVOR HALL MOTORCYCLES (BRITISH, EUROPEAN, AMERICAN)503 Sloane Street, Te Awamutue: thmotorcycles@xtra.co.nzw: trevorhallmotorcycles.co.nz ..........................................07 870 3423, mob 0210 322 258

WILKS PENNY MOTORCYCLES LTD 2 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutue: info@wilkspenny.co.nz w: wilkspenny.co.nz................07 871 3069, mob 0274 310 880

2 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, November 10, 2016

Have a say in 2016Car of the YearV oting is now open for 2016 New

Zealand Car of the Year People’sChoice award.

The People’s Choice vote provides anopportunity for the public to have its sayon which of the top 10 New Zealand Car ofthe Year finalists, announced in earlyOctober, deserves a gong.

Everyone who votes for their People’sChoice will go into a draw to win a 10-nightPacific cruise for two that takes in fourstops in both Fiji and Tonga.

For the second year, autotrader.co.nzhas partnered with the AA to help ensurepeople can pick their favourite out of theline-up.

The New Zealand Car of the Year isselected from new to market vehiclesreleased in the 12 months to the end ofSeptember 2016. There are also 10 best inclass awards, the winners of which areselected from any new car in each categoryin the market today.

For the second year, People’s Choicetakes the New Zealand Car of the YearAwards a step further to bring anothervoice to the table, which reflects both thepreference of the market for the vehiclesand also the ability of those marketingthem to stand out.

AA Motoring Services GeneralManager Stella Stocks says the Car of theYear is selected after the collective votesfrom the AA and the New ZealandMotoring Writers’ Guild on a range offeatures are tallied.

“Those eligible to vote have each spentat least three days driving each of the carsin the top 10 and need to select the bestbased on elements that include value,design and quality. Similarly, a winner ineach vehicle category is selected,” MsStocks says.

The People’s Choice provides anotherset of judges, those who might buy thecars on offer, with a say.

“It’s a different set of rules with thePeople’s Choice. Members of the guildneed to be objective in their selection,ignore marketing hype and flashy car

launches. With People’s Choice, theeffectiveness of marketing campaigns andsimple surface appeal can have a hugeimpact, and that reflects how people beginto make a decision on what to buy, which ishugely relevant.”

People’s Choice voting is online andthose participating have the chance todouble their chances of winning the cruiseif they share their vote on Facebook.

The New Zealand Car of the YearPeople’s Choice is run in conjunction withthe AA and autotrader.co.nz, owned byBauer Media Group.

Bauer Trader General Manager TerryWilliams King says a great car shoppingexperience usually involves a great cardealership.

“This is why we’re proud and honouredto be associated with an event thatrecognises excellence in the motoringindustry.”

Those who vote in the People’s Choicehave the choice of winning one of manyspot prizes and also go into the draw towin a grand prize of a 10 day Pacific islandcruise departing from and returning toAuckland.

The top 10 finalists for the New ZealandCar of the Year and People’s Choice, inalphabetical order, are:• Holden Spark• Honda Civic• Kia Sportage• Mazda CX-9• Mercedes-Benz E-Class• Mercedes-Benz GLC• Skoda Superb• Subaru Levorg• Suzuki Vitara• Volkswagen TiguanLast year the Hyundai Tucson received thePeople’s Choice crown, while the BMW i3was named the New Zealand Car of theYear.People’s Choice voting closes onWednesday, November 30.The winning vehicle will be announced atthe New Zealand Car of the Year event inAuckland on Wednesday, December 7.

Rural Women supportroad safety movesRural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has

issued a submission expressing itssupport for the Government’s Land

Transport Amendment Bill, whilst alsoexpressing concern about the recent spikein New Zealand’s road toll and current levelsof policing.

“On the whole the changes in the bill aredirected towards improving road safety andwe support them” says national presidentWendy McGowan.

The Bill sets harsher penalties foroffenders who flee the police and alsomakes it mandatory for high-alcoholoffenders and repeat-drink and drivers tohave breath testing alcohol devices installedin their cars.

“However, we also note recent spikes inthe road toll over the last three years, whichwe think do raise questions about theadequacy of current policing levels,” saysMs McGowan.

According to figures from the Ministry ofTransport, the road toll in 2015 involved thehighest number of fatalities on NewZealand’s roads since 2010.

“We think the question of whethercurrent policing levels are appropriate for

road safety purposes should be examined aspart of this Bill.

“The changes introduced in this Bill willonly be effective with the right level of policeenforcement ,” says Ms McGowan.

In its submission, RWNZ also recommendthat the committee further examine thecompetition effects of new changes the Billintroduces to small passenger services.

These changes will require the likes ofUber to be subject to the same licensingregime as taxi drivers, with the intention ofcreating a more level playing field.

However, according to RWNZ’ssubmission the playing field in rural areas isalready heavily skewed towards taxi drivers,which have a significant competitive hold onthe market and the ability to chargeextortionate prices.

The lack of affordable taxi services in ruralareas is a strong contributor to isolation inrural areas, particularly for vulnerablepopulation groups like the elderly.

“We want to make sure that thesechanges will encourage competition in themarket, rather than imposing additionalcompliance costs on potential new players,”says Ms McGowan.

Adventure starts hereNew Holden Trailblazer

The new Holden Trailblazer is the 7-seater with everything you need for great family adventures.Whether it ’s fishing, sailing, camping or travelling the length of New Zealand in your caravan – with3 tonne towing and 500Nm of torque, the Trailblazer will handle it with ease. Let your sense ofadventure be the only thing that decides where you and your gear go. HOLDEN.CO.NZ/TRAILBLAZER

Holden MyLinkinfotainment system*

8” Touchscreen withIntegrated Sat Nav

Forward CollisionAlert

Leather appointedseat trim

* Holden MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto Phone Projection

ROSETOWN HOLDENCorner Churchill & Mahoe St • Te Awamutu • Ph (07) 871 5143A/h: Stu Tervit (07) 871 4700, 0274 827 856 • John Hare (07) 871 3794, 0274 427 856 • Allan Paterson (07) 871 9178, 0274 427 853 • Aaron Goodrick 027 724 1037Email: tmlsales@xtra.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS INCLUDING SUNDAYS

www.rosetownholden.co.nz

$62,990plus ORC

Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, November 10, 2016 3

Holden Trailblazer LTZ

DEAN TAYLOR

Refreshed Holdenseven-seater SUVRefreshed Holdenseven-seater SUV

I t is an exciting time forHolden, with a range of newmodels coming to market

and more in the pipeline.This week I drove the newly

launched Holden Trailblazer LTZfrom Rosetown Holden.

The seven-seater SUV is animportant part of Holden’s SUVoffering and competes in apopular buyer segment, thatalso includes the big sedans.

The Trailblazer is built on arevised and upgraded Coloradoplatform, with addedrefinement.

Both the LT and LTZ arepowered by a 2.8-litre fourcylinder turbo diesel engine thatproduces 147kW of power and500Nm of torque — driven via a

selectable four-wheel drivetransmission through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

On-the-fly 4WD is available.Despite the grunt, load

carrying or towing capacity (upto 3000kg with a braked trailer)and off-road credentials, theTrailblazer has an official fuelusage figure of just 8.6l/100km.The SUV’s underpinnings give itgenuine off-road ability, with600mm wading depth and218mm ground clearance.

The Holden’s engine andgearbox have undergonesignificant developments toimprove driving refinement.

The result is a quietexperience, with less cabinnoise, effortless power, smoothrunning and shifting — a morecar-like experience.

Another refinement isremote engine start — warm upthe engine, and interior (or coolit in summer) for a great start tothe motoring experience.

Both models come standard

with seven airbags andelectronic stability control (for afive-star ANCAP crash rating) aswell as a reverse camera withrear parking sensors.

The LTZ also has forwardcollision alert, lane departurewarning and side blind zonealert, as well as a tyre pressuremonitor and rain sensing wipers.

The top model also addsintegrated satellite navigationto the MyLink Infotainmentsystem — which includes Apple

CarPlay and AndroidAuto —and a bigger screen.

It also rides on 18-inch alloys,and has LED rear lamps,additional chrome exteriorhighlights, fake leather interiortrim with heated front seats andclimate control air conditioning.I

It is a relaxing drive andcruising speeds, and the poweris there if it is needed.

There seems to be plenty ofroom inside and plenty of

storage and clever seat-foldingoptions to increase load space.

The main fives seats arecomfortable for adults and forthe driver, everything is withinreach and there is greatvisibility.

The Trailblazer is reasonablylarge and imposing, but notoverwhelming to drive and parkaround town.

Pricing is highly competitive— the Trailblazer is a worthycompetitor in the segment.

ford.co.nz

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEWMONDEO.

With advanced engineering to deliver effortless driving and seamlessintegrationwith today’s technologies; themost stylish and advancedFordMondeo offers a new class of performance.

• 2.0L EcoBoost™ petrol or 2.0L TDCi diesel engine• SYNC®2with 8” touch screen, voice control and Bluetooth® connectivity• 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with NZ’s first inflatable rear seatbelts1

Testdriveone today.

1. First to bring rear inflatable seatbeats as standard across all models and at no additional cost.

Now,what can do for you?132 Kihikihi Road | TEAWAMUTU | P 870 2535 | fairview.co.nz

Rhett McKinnon 027 292 9040 |Grant McConnachie 027 485 4987 | Carolyn Pitcon 027 264 9512 | John Sharplin 027 478 0098|

Phone 871 5048 Direct Line 870 1362Monday-Friday 7.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-12noon

CHURCHILL STREET, TE AWAMUTU

Make the change every4 years or 80,000kms

Change your TIMINGTIMING BELTBELTBEFORE 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 andin most instances it will result in costly engine repairs not tomention the inconvenience of a breakdown

• We service all makes and models

TE AWAMUTU MOTORS LTD

4 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, November 10, 2016

Te Awamutu fareweFalcon Farewell

TC101116DrivenFF05

SUPERCHARGED, tubbed, big block XY Falcon belonging toMatthew Patmore turned every head on arrival.

O n Bathurst Sunday Ford Falcon fanscame together to mark the end of anera — the closure of Australia's

Broadmeadows production line, home of theFalcon.

It is one of the world’s oldest automotivenameplates, but from Friday, October 7there were no new Ford Falcons coming offthe line.

On the Sunday of the great race FairviewMotors Te Awamutu, Driven Te Awamutuand Waipa Workingmen’s Club cametogether to give the Ford Falcon a send-off.

About 40 cars covering sevengenerations, from the 1960 XK to the latestFGX, were on show to the public and a goodnumber of people came to ‘pay theirrespects’.

Now,what can do for you?132 Kihikihi Road | TEAWAMUTU | P 870 2535 | fairview.co.nz GoFurther

$21,9902012 Nissan X Trail TINZ New, Sunroof, Leather, Electric Seat,Reverse Camera, Alloys, Air Conditioned, 4WD

$12,9902010 Mazda DemioDual Airbags, ABS Brakes, Electric Windowsand Mirrors, Central Locking, Immobiliser

2012 BT50 2WD GLX3.2 Turbo Diesel, Airbags, ABS,Air Conditioned, Bluetooth, Tow Bar

$23,990

2012 Ford Focus SportNZ New, Sat Nav, Multi Airbags, Alloys,Spoiler, Low Kms

$18,450

2012 Mitsubishi Triton6 Airbags, Full Electrics, 4WD, Towpack,Fog Lights, Alloys

$31,990

2015 Ford Kuga7 Airbags, Alloys, Fog Lights,NZ New, Bluetooth, Auto Headlights,Parking Sensors

2014 Ford Fiesta ST1 Owner, 6 Speed Manual, Premium Stereo,Sports Suspension, 17” Alloys, Sports BodyKit, Low Kms, Fog Lights, Parking Sensors

$29,990$28,990

OPEN: Monday to Friday 7.30am-5.30pm | Saturday 9am-2pm | 24/7 at www.fairview.co.nz

$31,9902014 Mazda 6 GLX2.2 Auto Diesel, NZ New, Leather Interior,Reversing Camera, Electric Stability Control,17” Alloys, Tow Bar, Cruise Control, 32,300km

$24,9902009 Ford Falcon XR6 TurboFull Leather, Window Tints, Full Electrics,Body Kit, Keyless Entry and Keyless Start, Alloys

2008 Peugeot 308 HDiNZ New, Alloys, 46200km, 2.0L Diesel,Air Conditioned, Multi Airbags, ABS Brakes,Panoramic Roof (Includes 2 yearmechanical warranty)

$12,990

NewStock

2014 Mitsubishi Triton4X4, Running Boards, Manual,Multi Airbags, Alloys, Full Leather,Keyless Entry, 74660km, Towbar

$33,990

Just

Traded

2005 Mazda AxelaABS Brakes, Full Electrics, Keyless Entry,Dual Airbags

$9,9902013 Mazda 6 GSXNZ New, 34000km, Alloys, Full Electrics,Parking Sensors, Bluetooth,GPS Navigation

$27,990

$38,9902013 Ford Ranger XLT1 Owner, Towbar, Automatic, Dual ZoneAir Conditioned, Bluetooth, Multi Airbags,Tuffdeck, 40000km, Alloys, Running Boards

Just

Traded

Just

Traded

2012 Ford Ranger XL4 x 2 Flatdeck, Airbags, ABS,Electric Stability Control, Bluetooth,48,000kms

$27,990

CARING FORYOUR SAFETY

Autorobot

24 Hour Salvage Ph (07) 871-5069Bond Road, Te Awamutu, P.O. Box 437Fax (07) 871-4069 A/H (07) 871-6352Email: fabishpanelworks@xtra.co.nz

91 Harrison Dr, Te Awamutu, Ph 871 8864

Turn to LM Automotivefor ALL your automotive

repairs & vehicle maintenanceFULL-SERVICE PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCEAND AUTO REPAIR CENTRE

We pride ourselves on straight up advice andvehicles being fixed right at an affordable price

WE REPAIR ALL MAKES AND MODELS

5

ells an Aussie icon

TC101116DrivenFF06/07

NOTHING like the sound of 2000+hp from BobbyOwen’s XM Falcon drag car to attract a crowd. Owenand team member Brad Tynan then stripped the 509ciV8 in preparation for its next outing.

TC101116DrivenFF02/04

GREAT line-up of new Falcons complemented the classics.

TC101116DrivenFF01

SERIOUScontemplationof what’sunder thebonnet.

Ph Kevin 021 144 9989Ph Graham 0221 667 184

Ph 07 872 8044

6 HANNING ROAD, PIRONGIA

• Specialising in Classic Cars

• Full Restoration

• Over 40 years combined experience

• Happy to give advice or fi nd your next classic

NOW OPEN

IN PIRONGIA

Te Awamutu07 872 0017

Te Awamutu - 29 Kihikihi RdKoia Christiansen 027 565 6565 | Wayne Wirihana 027 405 9381

6 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, November 10, 2016

Falcon’s eye view

TC01116DrivenFF09

HAMILTON FairviewMotors tech AndrewClarke brought his latestmodel Falcon XR6 Sprintto Falcon Farewell — oneof the limited edition lastof line models — and usedhis drone to capture aFalcon’s eye view of theevent.

TC101116DrivenFF08

FAIRVIEW Motors TeAwamutu manager JohnSharplin (centre) metwith Ford family Garth,Melissa and ChloeShields and their XACoupe finished in timefor Beach Hop. Thecouple had two Falconsat the show.

HardCatchTO

With a 2.4L MIVEC engine, and automatic transmission it’s faster. With sports suspension, enlarged disc brakes, 18” sports alloys, leather steering wheel and paddle shifts, it’s more agile. Sports seats, 6-speaker audio and unique decals make it a real head-turner. But with only 180 available, it’s rare. See us at the location below, call 0800 54 53 52 or visit mmnz.co.nz

LIMITED EDITION LANCER GTi $29,990+ORC*

180 AVAILABLE. BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT.

* Price listed is for Lancer GTi. Price excludes On Road Costs of up to $400 which includes WoF, Registration and a full tank of fuel. See www.mmnz.co.nz for Diamond Advantage terms and conditions.

Ingham Te Awamutu Mitsubishi 133 Arawata Street

07 8715630

www.inghamdriven.nz

Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, November 10, 2016 7

Mitsubishi Lancer GTi

DEAN TAYLOR

Be quick — thisLancer GTi isBe quick — thisLancer GTi is

T he advertising says theLancer GTi is hard to catch— and with extra power and

handling, plus a limited edition of180, it might be right.

I drove one of Ingham Driven’s2017 Mitsubishi Lancer GTimodels and it is easy to see this isa great deal.

It joins the range for next year,replacing the SEi models whichdid come in both sedan andhatch — but is only available as asedan.

This gives the new range fivemodels, LS and GSR sedan andhatch and the GTi.

The Lancer design has had justa few changes since its relaunch,but it is still eye-catching —

especially the saloon.Wrap it in a cool paint job,

with bigger wheels, spoiler andmore than a nod to Mitsubishi’sralliart racing heritage — and it isa great looking offering.

I think the success here lieswith unique look of the Lancer —it isn’t easily confused, especiallyin a sea of hatches and SUVs.

Reintroducing a GTi modelseems perfectly natural for amodel that gave us the insane,street-legal rockets that werethe Evos.

The GTi uses a 2.4 litre enginewith 123kW of power and223Nm of torque for some extrago — with the ease andeconomy of the CVT gearbox,but with paddle shifters addedfor quicker shifts into six speedmanual mode.

Fuel economy suffers, but to astill acceptable 8.7l/100km.

It rides on bigger 18” alloyswith low profile rubber and thesuspension has been further

refined to improve ride and givesportier handling.

Bigger brakes add to thesafety.

The interior is standardLancer, but the seats have moregrip and the trim has a sportylook.

A leather wrapped steering

wheel has a great feel and all thecontrols are on the wheel orwithin easy reach.

Performance pedals add tothe GTi feel.

All Lancers come with sevenairbags and a 5 Star ANCAPsafety rating, BluetoothHandsfree phone system, power

windows, cruise control andmuch more.

Folding rear seats and agenerous boot add to thepracticality of the popular smallcar.

And deals like the GTi forunder $30K make a trip toIngham Driven worthwhile.

Te Awamutu07 872 0017

Te Awamutu - 29 Kihikihi RdKoia Christiansen 027 565 6565 | Wayne Wirihana 027 405 9381Te AwamuKoia Chris

8 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, November 10, 2016

Tasting a Targa winBY COLIN THORSEN

TOP TEAM: Targa New Zealand Rally Category 7 winners, Kevin Archer (left) and PaulCollins with his Ford Mustang.

P aul Collins(Cambridge) andKevin Archer

(Ngaroma) have brokenthrough for their first winin the Targa New ZealandRally.

The Waipa teamcrossed the line in secondplace at the end of thefour-day, 1602km journeyin Havelock North, butwere promoted aswinners of Category 7 ona technicality in Collins’super reliable 2013 FordMustang.

The change ofplacings occurred afterthe ‘original’ winners, intheir 2002 BMW M3,were disqualified forentering the incorrectclass.

Collins/Archerenjoyed further successtaking out the PeterHanna Memorial Trophyfor highest placed V8powered vehicle overall,along with winning thePeople’s Choice of Caraward and placing thirdoverall 2WD —experiencing nomechanical problems inan event which took afield of 134 from a start inTaupo to the finish inHavelock North.

“We had a dream run,a near perfect Targa NZ,”says Archer.

“The car wassensational, we only had

to change our six (allowable) tyres aroundeach day to ensure we had a good set leftfor the final day, and change the brakefluid a few times to freshen it up.”

Archer is better known for his exploitsin enduro motocross, having wonnumerous New Zealand championshipsover a long and illustrious career.

His only previous tarmac road rallyexperience was at the 4WD Rally Schoolat Whatawhata.

“I’ve known Paul (Collins) for a while. . . when he asked me three or fourmonths ago to share the driving in theTarga, I jumped at the chance,” he says.

“I have always been around vehicles, Ienjoy that sort of thing.”

In order to obtain his rally licence,Archer was required to drive a rally car for40km in the Maramarua Forest with atutor in the passengers seat.

He proved to be a quick learner.His Targa Rally times secured wins on

a couple of stages and he placed in everystage he was at the wheel.

“It’s all about reading the terrain androad . . . you don’t know what’s over thecrest of a hill.”

Archer competed in the Baja 1000 fouryears ago on a motocross bike, an 800mile off-road race that takes place inMexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

“It taught me all about reading the layof the land.”

Now that Archer has had a taste of theTarga Rally, he wants more.

“Who knows, I might be fortunateenough for Paul to ask me back next yearto help him defend our title.”

Collins has competed in the Targa NZRally several times previously without everwinning a class.

Toyota Corolla'spopularity stillhigh here and US

One of New Zealand'sbest-selling cars, theToyota Corolla, has just

celebrated its 50th annivers-ary.

The Corolla, which is rarelyout of the New Zealand best-seller lists, first went on sale inJapan on November 5, 1966.

Since then, 44.1 millionhave been sold globally, in-cluding station wagons andother variants.

In the late 1950s, asJapan's economy recoveredfrom World War II , carmakersaimed to produce anaffordable car for the averagefamily, most of whom didn'thave a vehicle.

Toyota first came out withthe Publica, which wasn't verywell received.

But in 1966 it introducedthe sportier two-door Corollawith a jaw-dropping plan: tobuild 30,000 of them a month,at a time when Toyota's totalmonthly production was50,000 vehicles.

Three years after thelaunch, the Corolla becamethe country's top-selling carand helped usher in an age ofmotorisation in Japan.

Toyota has stuck to itstradition of introducing newtechnologies to the masseswith each remodelling of the

Corolla.Now in its 11th generation

in Japan, the car is made in 13countries around the worldand sold in more than 150countries.

After 33 straight years asJapan's top-selling model, itlost the crown in Japan to rivalHonda Motor's Fit (or Jazz)hatchback in 2002.

It is now also outsold by theToyota Aqua and Prius hybrid-only models in Japan, asdomestic customers opt formore fuel-efficient cars.

The outlook at home isbleak, with the overall carmarket shrinking along withthe population.

Domestic sales of the Cor-olla are now about a quarter oftheir peak of around 400,000in 1973.

But the Corolla is still a cashcow in the US, where it is theNo.2 best-selling passengercar so far this year, behind theToyota Camry.

In New Zealand the Corollaled the passenger car marketagain last month, with 1210new registrations. This in-cluded 1026 rental carregistrations.

It was one of only threeconventional cars in the top10, with the Toyota Yaris andthe Holden Cruze.