Experiencing problems viewing this ezine? Click here.

A word from the
Dealer Principal

If you were like me, you blinked and January seemed to disappear! The month was very busy for us all here and lived up to its historical reputation as being one of the busiest retail periods of the year.

Nationally vehicle sales were very strong in 2006, with a 9.9% overall increase over the previous year, with sales totaling 76,936, up by 6,933.

Thanks to those of you who have provided us such positive feedback on our e-news. We enjoy putting it together for you, and have some great things planned for 2007.

Enjoy this issue. Happy and safe motoring.


Andrew Brown,
Dealer Principal.
SANTA FE DIESEL
DELIVERS AMAZING FIGURES

In what's believed to be a first time feat of fuel frugality, a Hyundai Santa Fe diesel has towed a caravan between Sydney and Melbourne on less than one standard tank of fuel.

Eco-futurist and long-time automotive conservationist Hans Tholstrup used a Santa Fe CRDi SLX turbo-diesel five-speed automatic AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) SUV wagon to tow a Jayco Destiny 11.36-1 pop-top caravan from Sydney to Melbourne, arriving with 5.07 litres left in its 75-litre standard fuel tank.

The Santa Fe CRDi averaged an extraordinary 8.92 litres/100 kilometres for the 875.3 km trip, using 78.08 litres of its tank's actual fill volume of 83.15 litres.

The diesel Santa Fe's 8.92 l/100km towing fuel figure is better than unhitched ADR 81/01 windscreen sticker figures of its major competitors: Subaru's pricey Tribeca 12.4, Toyota Kluger and Nissan Murano 12.3 and Holden Captiva and Mazda's five-seat CX-7 on 11.5, all petrol-powered only.

Tholstrup cruised the rig along the flatter stretches of Highway 31 at around 90km/h and over 100 km/h downhill, aided by a tailwind to around Goulburn. Then, for more than three quarters of the trip it was headwinds all the way, so he eased marginally but could still keep the Santa Fe's turbo-diesel in its maximum torque range from 1750 rpm while ensuring he maximized fuel efficiency.

After sleeping overnight in the two-berth caravan, which features a four-burner stove, grill, fridge and microwave in a front-end kitchen, Tholstrup arrived at Melbourne City Hyundai in Elizabeth Street, on the edge of the CBD.

The route threaded through soon-to-be bypassed Albury and took the long westward loop City Link tollway northern access into downtown Melbourne.

On another test, Santa Fe CRDi towed a full-height Jayco 16.51 Destiny Caravan from Melbourne to Sydney at 11.56 l/100km

The Santa Fe's tank was sealed by NRMA western district patrol leader Wayne Galey at the rig's departure from Jayco Sydney in St Mary's while at the finish in Melbourne, RACV patrolman Bryan Richardson inspected that the seal had remained intact throughout the trip.

To find out how far you can travel in the Santa Fe Diesel, contact Joel or Aaron on 8374 5444 or visit our website here.
Quote of the Month

“The hardest thing to understand in the world is income tax.”

Albert Einstein

FORD TERRITORY
SCORES TOP MARKS FOR SAFETY



The amazing Ford Territory Ghia was recently named as one of only two vehicles tested in Australia to score the top “five star” rating in the latest Reversing Visibility Index – the highest score awarded.

In it’s latest round of testing the National Roads and Motorist Association Ltd (NRMA) tested 270 vehicles. Only the Territory Ghia and the Lexus GS430 managed to return a “five star rating” because they are fitted with a reverse camera providing enhanced visibility prior to reversing.

The great news for Ford customers is that the reverse camera provides a better rear view perspective for the driver, and is standard on the Ford Territory Ghia and Territory Ghia Turbo, and is available as an option on the Territory TS.

The reverse camera activates automatically when the car is engaged in reverse gear. Using a fish-eye lens, 130 degree views are available from the drivers seat.

SPECIALS OF
THE MONTH!

15% discount
off accessories from our parts department, eg. Car mats, cargo blinds, spares etc.

15% discount
on any clothing in store.

Free
use of a service loan car on any major service – subject to availability, so book in advance!

Offer valid until 31/3/07

Anyone for Golf?

Through our association as a sponsor with the McCracken Golf Club Victor Harbor monthly medal, we’re offering our e-news readers the opportunity for two to take to the course for the price of one.

Simply mention this offer at the time of booking and present this voucher or your Adrian Brien Keytag at the proshop to redeem this special offer.

Offer valid until 30/06/07.
SAVE WATER AND SAVE $$$

The current water crisis in Australia has had an impact on almost every aspect of life, particularly the much loved garden.

Just because everyone has to tighten up their water usage, doesn’t mean that your cherished greenery has to suffer, it just means that you have to be smarter with what little water there is available.

Here are a few tips to ensure your garden stays in great shape –

•
Mulching is a great way to keep moisture in your garden, and reduce the amount of water required.
•
Don’t mow your lawn too short. The more you cut away, the more you are taking away the food source it needs to get through the summer.
•
Keep your eye out for fungi and pests during summer. Check your plants for eaten leaves, black spots and mildew. Tear off any damaged leaves, and consult your local nursery on how to treat them.
•
Install a gravity feed watering system like Wise Wally’s. You’ll be able to re-use your grey water and feed your plants directly using less water.
•
Don’t let weeds grow. Not only do they look unsightly, they rob other plants of water.
•
Summer is a great time to fill your garden with lots of vibrant colours from plants like Hibiscus, Plmbago, Bougainvillea, Hippeastrums, Lavender, Oleanders, Pentas and Daises will all bring your garden are to life.

Happy gardening!