3 posts tagged “guide”

When I think about it, these cars propelled Japan to lofty heights. Never mind where they are now, and I realize some of the cars they bearing these names were boring econoboxes. From Autocade.

Honda Civic. 1972–9 (prod. unknown). 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-door sedan, 5-door wagon. F/F, 1169, 1237, 1488 cm³ (4 cyl. OHC). World-beating small car, developed in record two years. Named denoted car’s relevance to citizens and cities. Revolutionary in its day, when hatchbacks were largely unknown. Initially 680 kg weight; 2200 mm wheelbase. Styling based around trapezoidal form. Independent strut suspension all-round, setting template for future Honda models and ensuring excellent handling. Answered demand among Japan’s growing, affluent middle class for more sophisticated cars, exported just as fuel crisis hit in 1973. Two-door saloon first in July 1972; three-door hatch in September. Automatic and CVCC in 1973; four-door at end of year with 2280 mm wheelbase. Twin-carb Civic RS in 1974 along with commercial van and station wagon (also longer wheelbase). Minor facelift in 1977. Some rust issues, though this never affected Honda’s reputation in the way it did with Alfa Romeo and Lancia this decade.

Toyota Corolla (E10). 1966–70 (prod. 1,170,000 approx.). 2- and 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé, 3-door wagon. F/R, 1077, 1166 cm³ (4 cyl. OHV). The car that kicked it off. Toyota spotted room for a small car as the Japanese middle class grew. Very conventional, drum brakes initially, front discs later. Perhaps established the idea for the Corolla line that basic motoring sells—it need not be the latest technology—but how that appealed to a global market. Aimed at export, toward a ‘general user’. Some creature comforts such as cigarette lighter, reclining seats, two-speed wipers. Four-door and wagon added May 1967. Coupé, from April 1968, sold as Sprinter in some markets—Sprinter line had not split from Corolla line at this point. Larger engine from 1970.

Honda Accord. 1976–81 (prod. unknown). 3- and 4-door sedan. F/F, 1602, 1751 cm³ (4 cyl. OHC). Honda ups the game with well engineered and attractive mid-sized car (compact by US standards). Dynamically excellent compared with others of the era (Renault 18, Ford Taunus II) and established Honda as a company that could do more than tiny hatchbacks such as the Civic. Well specified in typical Japanese fashion. Some rustproofing issues.

Although I have finally tired of Facebook, my friend Jason Alba has co-authored one on the service, called I’m on Facebook—Now What?, to which I contributed briefly.
   I would recommend this as a how-to guide for those unfamiliar with social networks. The authors employ a lot of the tricks I use for the service. Do get it if you are new to Facebook, or even if you are not so new to it.

I’ve been prompted by a few friends lately on what car they should buy. Surprisingly, my recommendations are not what are on the Lucire Car to Be Seen in list, nor are they the things I might choose for myself. These are practical choices, swayed by practicality, parts’ prices or gas mileage.

Supermini

Renault Clio B85

   Europe: Renault Clio. Very impressed with how well the Clio has been screwed together and it looks more a quality option than the Peugeot 207. The Fiat 500 and Opel Corsa would be other great choices.
   Australasia: Renault Clio. Pay a little extra and get the safety of the French car. Second place would be the Suzuki Swift. Avoid, at all costs, the Daewoo-built Holden Barina—it scored worse than the earlier German-designed model in the NCAP safety tests.
   North America: is anything this small available? Try a Honda Fit, which will shortly be renewed.
   South America: spoilt for choice in this market, too. The Volkswagen Fox and Gol feel cheap. The Chevrolet Novo Corsa could be better.
   For myself: a sporty Renault Clio.

Compact
   Europe: Renault Mégane. The powerplants are great, especially the 130 PS 1·9 diesel. Fuel economy with grunt, plus more body styles than you can imagine: two hatches, cabriolet, Scénic, long-wheelbase Scénic, sedan and wagon.
   Australasia and North America: Honda Civic and Civic IMA Hybrid. The problem in New Zealand is that the most recent model is available only as a sedan. But it’s roomy and the Hybrid shows sense without you looking like a try-hard (unlike Hollywood types with their Toyota Priuses). European buyers at least get the five-door hatch which looks like it’s come from the set of UFO. With recalls hurting Toyota Stateside, Honda just seems to be a safer quality bet. I also like the warranty.
   South America: Ford Focus. More advanced than the Volkswagen Gol and Golf and at least you are as up to date as the European buyers—not to mention one generation ahead of the North Americans.
   For myself: I’d still buy French. Vivent les alliés. The Mégane gets my vote but I do love the Opel Astra GTC. However, buying the equivalent Holden in New Zealand means getting a Vauxhall grille and the indicators swapped on to the wrong side.

Mid-sized and intermediate

   Europe, Australasia and Asia: Ford Mondeo. Quality is Job No. 1. The latest model is brimming with great features that you’d expect in a more expensive car. The problem in New Zealand is the limited model range. But even the old CD132 is a worthy buy and out-handles Camry, Vectra and Accord.
   North America: Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid. There’s a reason this is among the top-selling sedans in the US: for years, it’s been the gold standard of mid-sized sedans. The Hybrid was only made till the 2007 model year. The latest model is no longer as ahead of the game compared to its rivals (Malibu, Camry, Fusion) but Honda quality speaks for itself.
   South America: long-wheelbase Chevrolet Vectra. This is actually the smaller Opel Astra H with a stretched wheelbase and a boot, but the alcohol fuel option has me gunning for this. Down side: a recent recall in the Brazilian market for all Astra H-based cars, including this one.
   For myself: Volvo S60. I don’t mind paying extra and I like the interior.

SUV
   Europe: why bother? These behemoths are too clumsy in the narrower streets there. Stick with a decent hatchback. But if you must have one, Nissan’s Qashqai Diesel (Dualis) could be an option. Among the larger SUVs, the Volvo XC90 is pretty unbeatable.
   Australasia: Nissan Murano. One Voxer privately asked me about this and considered the rival Mazda CX-7. In both cases, I am unimpressed with the narrow range of powerplants. But the six in the Murano is smooth and proven. I also like the Ford Territory, if you don’t mind paying for the fuel for a four-litre six. For premium brands, Volvo XC90 again.
   North America: the US brands tend to be too truck-like. Acura MDX, Nissan Murano or Volvo XC90.
   South America: some of the smaller SUVs are quite distinctive and practical. I’d sample the Ford EcoSport here.
 
   For myself: Audi Allroad Quattro. It might be a jacked-up station wagon but the leather seats and adjustable suspension are nice. (Photograph above by Douglas Rimington.)

Minivan
   Europe: Opel Zafira for quality and diesel options, as well as GM’s Flex 7 seating. Renault Scénic otherwise.
   Australasia: Renault Scénic or Citroën Picasso among smaller minivans. I’d honestly look at a Kia Carnival for the larger ones, given the savings over a Toyota or Chrysler, and the warranty isn’t too bad.
   North America: the gold standard is the Chrysler Voyager. Who am I to argue? But pick the most fuel-efficient model as these have a reputation for drinking.
   South America: Renault Scénic.
   For myself: I’d still prefer a regular station wagon, thank you.

Full-sized
   Europe: this market is no longer contested by the mainstream brands, and the earlier mid-sized cars have crept up in size to become full-sized vehicles. For instance, the Ford Mondeo is physically bigger than the Australian Ford Falcon. Unless you’re prepared to go to an Audi A8, a Mondeo should cover most people who want the interior space.

   Australasia: the Holden Commodore is the gold standard here, but there’s no diesel option and the latest model loses a star in NCAP testing compared to its predecessor. So much for GM spending A$1 billion and not having the foresight. Again, the Mondeo should do for most families given that it’s bigger than a Falcon—cabbies should really consider it over a Camry, Aurion or Maxima. I also recently said that the Škoda Superb would be a good replacement for the New Zealand Government’s Ford Fairlane fleet, and I stick by that. (New Zealand needs to downsize given the fuel prices, which exceed Australia’s.) In the Middle East, where fuel prices are cheaper still, then the Holden Commodore’s twin, the Chevrolet Lumina, could be a wise mainstream choice.
   North America: forget the old Taurus—the Volvo S80-based 2008 Taurus could be a suitable choice, if somewhat underpowered. Or check out the Acura Legend and the sexy long-wheelbase, North American Nissan Maxima.
   South America: if you can afford the petrol—and if you are paying this much for a big car—the Chevrolet Omega, which is, again, a rebadged Holden Commodore. 
   For myself: Audi A8.

   Sports cars are too tough to pick as they are too tied to the driver’s personality.
   There you are—what I would recommend for others and what I’d get for myself. Happy shopping!