New models - Holden - ZafiraZafira updated and equippedHolden's mildly successful compact people-mover gets an update - at a price29 Apr 2003 By BRUCE NEWTON THE quietly popular Holden Zafira compact people-mover has been quietly updated, re-priced and - at least temporarily - had its model range expanded. Both the standard "TT" Zafira and a 300-strong limited edition Equipe model go on sale from May 1. The seven-seat 2.2-litre Zafira has proved to be the most popular of the new-breed compact people-movers introduced here over the past few years, helped significantly by its Flex7 third row seating and - by class standards - its large engine. But average sales of a little over 143 per month for Zafira indicate how small the people-mover segment is in Australia. There are only a few changes as part of the update, including 40/20/40 split fold capability for the second row seat as well as a centre armrest, which includes multiple cupholders and storage area. Retractable lap-sash seatbelts are now standard in all seven seating positions, there's a new height adjustable driver's seat with 40mm more travel, an interior trim called Piazza and new wheel covers. For that lot you get to pay an extra $700, the pricing of the five-speed manual climbing to $32,690 and the four-speed auto to $34,690. It's fair to suggest at least some of that price rise is an attempt to claw back some profitability as Holden struggles to keep its Opel-supplied small cars price competitive. Barina and Astra have both risen in price already this year. Meanwhile, the Equipe adds 15-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, load carrying roof racks, metallic paint and special edition Equipe badging. Extra interior comfort and convenience features include rear power windows, trip computer and a security cargo blind. Holden says all these extras are worth $2500, but charges only a $500 premium over the standard car, which makes the manual Zafira Equipe $33,190 and the auto $35,190. All new modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Pagani Opel Porsche Peugeot Ram Proton Rolls-Royce Renault Saab Rover Smart Skoda Subaru SsangYong Tesla Suzuki Volkswagen Toyota Volvo Motor industry news |
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