How much of our fantastic south west can you re-experience in only four days? As it turns out, a lot.
It is so beautiful this time of year. The drizzle and the chill make it even more special.
After collecting the latest Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, we headed off for the drive ‘down south’, hoping to arrive by lunchtime.
But alas an old mate phoned, encouraging me to stop over at the Bunbury Farmers Markets. So glad he did; what shopping delight.
(Ed’s note – it’s obligatory to stop and stock up at this amazing market.)
Bunbury Farmers Markets is the ‘IKEA’ of food and treats.
The carpark, surprisingly busy for Monday; locals and visitors alike, snapping up fresh food and delights from around Western Australia.
Two hours later and over $100 lighter in the wallet, I restarted the drive, heading for the Bushy Lake Chalet at Marg’s; the suites and wood fire burners a welcome comfort and great joy.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is well appointed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features include active cruise control, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, six-speaker sound system, power tailgate, privacy glass, with leather/power-adjustable seats. =(Marcus Craft).
A seven-seater, (from around $53,230) certainly feels premium, with comfortable seats and plenty of smooth-touch surfaces.
Its 2.4 litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces 133kW at 3500rpm and 430Nm at 2500rpm with an eight-speed auto.
Boot space is plenty; around 131 litres with the third row seats in use. Fold the third row out of the way and cargo space moves up to over 502 litres and the seats fold down almost entirely.
The steering wheel has paddle shifters for sporty shifting and is reach- and height-adjustable.
The dash and large touchscreen media unit is cool-looking and well integrated. All buttons and dials are easy to locate and operate.
On the road, it’s an easy-driving vehicle and quite sprightly.
The engine and eight-speed auto are an effective combination.
Suspension is firm although the ride can be a jarring at times. (WA roads do not help.) On rough bitumen, deeper depressions and corrugations, it’s noticeable and annoying. The Mitsubishi Outlander is a better drive.
Are four days long enough for a winter, south west, ‘wander out yonder’?
With so many wineries still to rediscover, not really.
