Friday, March 20, 1992 - North Shore News - 29 AUTOMOTIVE Photo submitted ANEW 16-valve four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission address one of the previous four-door Sidekick’s major drawbacks: lack of power and too much engine noise at highway speeds. Suzuki Sidekick Low priced 4X4 four-door now quieter, more powerful Greg Wilson TEST DRIVE _ STARTING AT _ under $15,000, the four-door 4WD Suzuki Sidekick is considerably cheaper than many 4X4s. But before you head for your local Suzuki dealer and plunk down a deposit, you should be aware that the four-door Sidekick is not in the same league as big- ger, more expensive 4X4s. It’s not as roomy, as powerful, or as well-finished as many trucks. The Sidekick has room for just four passengers, and it won’t tow your Airstream Trailer across the Rockies. However, it is cheap, and for combined urban and light recreational use, it is a relative bargain. The four-door Sidekick is 410 millimetres (16 inches) longer than the two-door model, and comes only as a hardtop with 4WD. The two-door Sidekick (also available as the Geo Tracker and Asuna Sunfire) is available in convertible and hardtop models. A new 16-valve four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission address one of the previous four-door Sidekick’s ma- jor drawbacks: lack of power and too much engine noise at highway speeds. Horsepower has been increased from 80 to 95, stil! only adequate for a tall, square truck weighing 1,226 kilograms (2,703 Ibs.). The engine doesn't have enough power and torque to pull a big trailer or carry heavy cargo. However, the °’92 four-door Sidekick is quieter than last year’s model. A_ four-speed automatic transmission replaces the three- speed unit (four-door model on- ly), providing more relaxed cruis- ing in fourth gear. There is still some engine noise during heavy acceleration, but it is acceptable. Fuel economy is quite good for a 4X4, averaging 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres (32 mpg) in highway and urban use. The Sidekick’s 55-litre fuel tank gives it a range of 670 kilometres. The standard part-time 4WD system has a two-speed transfer case, on-the-fly shifting, and manual hubs. You have to get out. and lock the hubs before you can engage 4WD; however, a Suzuki ‘Teehnical data: Price as tested: (JLX) $17,795 Base price: (JX) $14,895 Type: four-door, Passenger sports/utility Layout: longitudinal engine/RWD/4WD Engine: 1,590 cc four-cylinder, SOHC, !6 valves, electronic multi-point fuel injection Horsepower: 95 @ 5,600 rpm four- front representative recommends leaving the hubs locked October through March to avoid this problem. He claims this will not adversely af- fect the 4WD system or decrease gas mileage substantially. The Sidekick’s car-like dash features easy-to-use controls that are both visible and reachable. The simple, round instruments, too, are well-placed and visible. Sidekicks have new, more durable cloth seats this year, but the qual- ity of the dash plastic leaves something to be desired, looking rather shiny and cheap. There is plenty of headroom and legroom for four passengers 8 lb/ft @ 4,000 rpm ion: five-speed man- ual (four-speed automatic) Transfer gear box: two-speed Curb weight: 1,226 kg/2,703 Ibs. GYWR: 1,600 kg/3,528 Ibs. Tires: P205/75R-15 Wheelbase: 2,480 mm/97.6 in. Length: 4,030 mm/158.7 in. and three-point seatbelts for all, but there is no centre rear seatbelt for a fifth rider. The split rear seats fold and tumble to increase cargo space, and a single rear door opens outwards allowing easy access to the cargo area. The driver’s outward visibility is generally good, but rear vision is hampered slightly by the rear headrests and an_ externally- mounted spare tire. The Sidekick is relatively tall and narrow with a high ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 inches). The ride is fairly firm, but not See Sidekick page 30 Width: 1,635 mm/64.4 in. Height: 1,690 mm/66.5 in. Carge space: 691 litres/24.4 cu.ft. . Fuel economy: City 9.7 1/100 km, 29 mpg; Hwy. 8.2 1/100 km, 34 mpg Warranty: Complete yrs/80,000 kms three