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Ballina News

2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE

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2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE

2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE

Fascinating design of the Kia Sportage GT-Line makes it more than a people mover.

By EWAN KENNEDY

Kia Sportage is almost an ‘oldtimer’ in this day and age, having been around since 1993. It’s undergone quite a few upgrades and changes in almost 30 years on the market.
The fifth generation is built on a new architecture and has fascinating styling. It’s no longer aimed at buyers who simply want to move people, it’s designed to be stylish and even slightly upmarket in people’s minds.

STYLING
The classic Kia Tiger Nose grille and boomerang-shaped daytime running lamps make a real styling statement. At the rear it has a what you could call a swooping fastback design.
The fifth-generation Sportage has boomerang-shaped LEDs, razor rear lamps and a swooping curved roof that gives it a look that almost leans in the direction of a coupe. The Snow While Pearl on our test car tied in beautifully with the large black sunroof and the black wheels.
The dual aero spoilers, one above the rear window the other below add to the looks sporting looks.
The bold arrow-like shape of the daytime running lights certainly says they are there for more than providing visibility for other road users.

INTERIOR

2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE

2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE INTERIOR

Can’t say the black-on-black interior is to our tastes, but it’s the trendy thing these days so it will help to sell more Sportages.
The latest Sportage has a wheelbase of 2755mm, a length of 4660mm, width of 1865mm and height of 1660mm. There’s 1050mm legroom for second-row passengers and 1000mm headroom. This is noticeably better than the outgoing model. This means someone of my size and build can get comfortable in the rear without having to ask the driver to share space with me.
Three abreast in the rear seat is pretty good in this latest generation if the occupants are of normal width, if one or more are on the tubby side it does get less comfortable. The centre tunnel is low and doesn’t force the person in the centre seat to sit with their feet beside it.

INFOTAINMENT

Inside there’s a curved 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the GT-Line we tested. It’s easy to see at a quick glance, thus minimising the time the driver takes their eyes off the road.
The sound system is by harman/kardon and could be easily adjusted to produce the sort of outputs we like.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Power from the Sportage comes from a variety of engines; a 2.0-litre petrol (115kW / 192Nm), 1.6-litre turbo-petrol (132kW / 265Nm) and 2.0-litre diesel (137kW / 416Nm).
The 1.6-litre is exclusively available on the GT-Line and SX+ variants and is paired with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sends power to both the front and rear wheels for improved performance and handling, particularly in low grip situations.
Our test car is a Sportage GT-Line with the 1.6-litre petrol and premium paint and has a driveway pricing of $51,990.

SAFETY
Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System technology helps the Sportage to avoid potential hazards.
The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist system available on the all-new Sportage detects speed signs through the front view camera. Information is then displayed on the instrument cluster.
The optimised speed can then be used to set the Speed Limiter or Smart Cruise Control by confirming the speed limit. Can’t say we are keen on this as drivers know the correct speed for the road conditions, which may be below or above the posted speeds. So, we don’t want our car lagging behind others on the road or charging up behind them.
On motorways this can lead to others coming up behind us having to change lanes, then get back into the correct lane in front of us.

DRIVING

2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE

2022 KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE

Kia Sportage has been the subject of Kia Australia’s Local Ride and Handling Program, the Sportage is designed to cater to Australian roads and the style of driving Australians prefer.
Kia Australia’s Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, said: “While it’s been a challenge due to Covid complications and taken a little longer than usual, NQ5 is sporty, youthful, fun to drive, yet comfortable and capable of soaking up even the harshest of road conditions”.
It’s no sports machine but comes closer than we anticipated in the way it turns in promptly and is happy to change direction if the road tightens or loosens.
Debuting in the Sportage GT-Line is a 3D surround view monitor which optimises images from four cameras (front, side mirrors and rear) to provide a 360-degree view in various modes. It allows the user to easily zoom and drag the camera view to suit their needs. This is particularly useful when squeezing backwards into a tight spot in a carpark, especially an underground one with poor lighting.

SUMMING UP
Kia’s latest Sportage is a solid reworking of the models before it and it looks certain to continue the sales successes of its four ancestors.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
S 2.0-litre petrol: $34,690 (six-speed manual), $35,690 (six-speed automatic)
S 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: $42,690 (eight-speed automatic)
SX 2.0-litre petrol: $37,490 (six-speed manual), $38,490 (six-speed automatic)
SX 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: $45,490 (eight-speed automatic)
SX+ 2.0-litre petrol: $44,490 (six-speed automatic)
SX+ 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: $49,990 (eight-speed automatic)
SX+ 1.6-litre turbo-petrol: $46,990 (seven-speed DCT automatic)
GT-Line 1.6-litre turbo-petrol: $51,990 (seven-speed DCT automatic)
GT-Line 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: $54,990 (eight-speed automatic)
Note: These are driveaway prices and include all government and dealer delivery charges.
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.598 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 132 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 265 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Fuel Type: Standard unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.2 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 164 g/km

DRIVELINE: Seven-speed dual clutch automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4660 mm
Wheelbase: 2755 mm
Width: 1865 mm
Height: 1680 mm
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1643 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 54 litres

BRAKES :
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Seven years / unlimited kilometres

RATINGS
Looks: 9/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10

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Ballina News

NEW AND UPGRADED EQUIPMENT FOR NORTH COAST SCHOOLS

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Local MP Justine Elliot - School Upgrade Fund

NEW AND UPGRADED EQUIPMENT FOR NORTH COAST SCHOOLS

 

Local MP Justine Elliot today announced that North Coast schools are benefiting from new or upgraded facilities and equipment, thanks to funding from the Albanese Labor Government.

The projects include:

  • Ballina Coast High School – $25,000
  • Banora Point Public School – $25,000
  • Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula School – Eungella – $25,000
  • Biala Special School -Ballina – $25,000
  • Bilambil Public School – $25,000
  • Brunswick Heads Public School – $25,000
  • Goonengerry Public School – $25,000
  • Hinterland Christian College -Mullumbimby – $25,000
  • Mount St Patrick Primary School – Murwillumbah – $25,000
  • Pacific Coast Christian School – Tweed Heads South – $25,000
  • St Anthony’s Primary School – Kingscliff – $25,000
  • St Francis Xavier’s Primary School – Ballina – $25,000
  • St James Primary School – Banora Point – $25,000
  • St John’s Primary School – Mullumbimby – $25,000
  • St Joseph’s Primary School – South Murwillumbah – $25,000
  • St Joseph’s Primary School – Tweed Heads – $25,000
  • Stokers Siding Public School – $25,000
  • Upper Coopers Creek Public School – $25,000

This is all part of the Albanese Labor Government’s School Upgrade Fund which has delivered a total of $450,000 in local projects across the North Coast.

These projects are helping to build a better and fairer education for students in our community.

“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud to have delivered this important funding for our local schools.

“From new laptops and air purifiers to upgraded outdoor sports equipment, this funding has delivered upgrades to schools that need it the most.

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to great facilities to learn in, and play on.

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build a better and fairer education system by investing in our schools and providing safer classrooms, playgrounds, and facilities,” Justine said.

 

For more Education news, click here.

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Ballina News

Northern Rivers popularity predicted to soar

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Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has been upgraded to support the huge increase in the flights coming in and out of the region’s busiest airport

Northern Rivers popularity predicted to soar

 

By Sarah Waters

Close to 900,000 commercial passengers are predicted to pass through Ballina Byron Gateway Airport each year by 2040, as the Northern Rivers region continues to be a popular drawcard for tourism, business opportunities and liveability.

On March 7, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport officially opened its $20.68 million runway upgrade.

Since covid, there has been a huge increase in the number of flights in and out of the airport.

Airport manager Julie Stewart said currently about 635,000 commercial passengers come through the busy regional airport each year, but these numbers are predicted to soar in the next 15 years.

“Our airport is a key gateway for visitors to the beautiful Northern Rivers region, but the airport is also essential to support emergency service aircraft during regional disasters,” Ms Steward said.

Sharpes Beach, Ballina, is one of the many attractions in the Shire for locals and visitors

Sharpes Beach, Ballina, is one of the many attractions in the Shire for locals and visitors

Population growth, post-COVID migration to regional areas and increased remote work flexibility have driven interest in the region.

Tourism has been fuelled by the popularity of the coastal areas, with the famed beaches, hinterlands and major music festivals.

According to the Northern Rivers Regional Economic Development Strategy – 2023 Update, tourism remained a key source of economic output and major employment in the region.

Spending by visitors in the region was $1.2 billion in 2021, despite significant impacts from natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improvements to visitor accessibility to the region through investment in key transport infrastructure such as the airport, was flagged as an opportunity to support ongoing growth in the sector.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the investment in the airport, was an investment in the community and its economy.

“The runway upgrade will ensure the community have continued reliable and safe air services into the future for local tourism and business, while also providing aviation jobs and career opportunities for local residents,” she said.

Ms Cadwallader said the Ballina Shire alone was an attractive residential and commuter hub.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has been upgraded to support the huge increase in the flights coming in and out of the region’s busiest airport

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has been upgraded to support the huge increase in the flights coming in and out of the region’s busiest airport

“The region’s Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market, noted by Tourism Research Australia, stands as Ballina’s second-largest market source, further boosting airport traffic as local residents host visitors.

“The region has seen significant public and private investment in tourism-related products, further enhancing its appeal.

“Ballina Coast and Hinterland, though lesser known than Byron Bay, offers a rich visitor experience, striking a balance between coastal charm and a dynamic community.

“As a gateway to the Northern Rivers, Ballina, in particular, offers a relaxed pace, ample amenities and a vibrant community,” she said.

According to Economy.Id, tourism is a significant economic driver in the Ballina Shire, employing 1681 people and contributing $257.4 million to the local economy in the 21/22 period.

The forecasted growth in the region is based on historical patterns since the airport’s construction in the mid-1980s.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport serves not only Ballina and Byron but also broader catchment areas, including southern Queensland and regions west and south of the Northern Rivers.

The increased flights experienced during/following Covid border closures heightened awareness of the airport among neighbouring regional communities.

SIDEBAR:

The Ballina Tourism Team recently unveiled the new Ballina Coast and Hinterland Visitor Guide, which highlights the region’s unmissable experiences.

The publication was made in collaboration with more than 45 local businesses.

Through a series of captivating imagery, insightful editorials and essential information, it encourages visitors to explore the region and discover the unique experiences on offer.

The guide is available at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, 6 River Street, Ballina. Retail, tourism and accommodation businesses are welcome to collect copies. It can also be viewed online here.

 

For more local Ballina news, click here.

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Ballina News

Ballina’s bus interchange upgrade commences March 11th

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Ballina's bus interchange upgrade map.

Ballina’s bus interchange upgrade commences March 11th

 

Ballina Shire Council will commence upgrades to the Tamar Street Bus Interchange in Ballina’s CBD starting Monday, March 11th. With funding of $1.3 million secured from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund, the project aims to enhance the existing infrastructure by replacing the aging bus shelter with a new structure.

The redesigned interchange seeks to optimise traffic flow while prioritising passenger comfort and accessibility. Key features of the project include the addition of two bays for buses, a revamped taxi zone, improved stormwater drainage, and widened walkways to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility.

During the construction phase, a temporary bus and taxi zone will be established nearby at the front of 76 Tamar Street (Barker Ryan Stewart offices).

Although access to the Wigmore Arcade and carpark will be maintained, there will be a temporary reduction in available parking spaces within the carpark area due to the construction zone.

Ballina's bus interchange upgrade map.

Ballina’s bus interchange upgrade map.

Completion of the works is anticipated by the end of June 2024. For further project details and updates, please visit here.

 

For more local Ballina news, click here.

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