with up

David
Chao

overdrive

THE WORD “quality” seems
to have lost its real meaning
these days as virtually every
company touts itself asa .
quality manufacturer, even
though there is really only a
handful of chem that have
reached the world-class level.

. Toyota is one of them.

Unlike some companies that are
promising — but not delivering —
quality products, Toyota has plenty
of proven sources to show that it has
an unbeatable reputation for quality.
In the last J.D. Power & Associates’
Initial Quality Survey, for example,
five of the top 10 ranking vehicles
had a Toyota or Lexus badge on
them. What's more, the Toyota
Tercel and the Geo Prism (which is
a‘Toyota Corolla-based sedan that's
only sold in the US) were the only
small/affordable cars that made it on
the prestigious list — very impres-
sive indeed.

For 1995, Toyota has given its
top quality sub-compact car a total
redesign from bumper to bumper,
with emphasis on refinement, han-
dling, and performance. The '95
Tercel now looks more angular, with
~. clearly defined body fines that hint a
~ profile of a BMW 3-series, Though
cleaner and sharper in appearance, in
some ways the new shape seems to
look less trendy than its predecessor,
whose circular styling theme gave it
a more unique appeal.

The Tercel is available in both
two-door and four-door versions.
The new Tercel receives a major
‘upgrade in power. The new-for-’95,
1.5-litre four-cylinder engine pumps
out a reasonable 93-horsepower and
100 Ib.-ft. of torque; up 13% from

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last year. Despite the increased pep,
the car also sips less fuel —- a win-
win situation. Add to this a more
rigid structure, revised suspension
pieces, and improved steering (eed-
back, and you have a likable little
car that carries you and your passen-
gers in a predictable, comfortable
fashion. The Tercel isn’t a quick
commuter, but the car provides
enough performance to satisfy most

- city dwellers, especially in its manu-

al transmission form.

The interior of the Tercel ~
while not fancy by any means — is
simple, functional, and ergonomical-
ly designed. The four-door DX
model tester [ drove provided a
decent amount of interior space for a
/sub-compact car. So, with a BMW
look-alike shape, a more powerful
soul, and a top-notch reputation for
dependability, the Terce] looks like a
true winner, right?

Maybe, maybe not. If reliability,
resale value, balanced feel, and no-
hassle ownership is what you're
after, then the answer is a resound-
ing yes. But if safety features or
price consideration are the real key
issues with your purchase, then the
Tercel may not represent the best
solution for your automotive need.
In the safety areas, the Tercel does
incorporate a new side-impact struc-
ture that meets the U.S. 1997 safety
standard, but the Tercel only offers a
driver's side airbag (which is an
option). As well, anti-lock brakes are
not even available us an option,
which is surprising since more and
more companies, such as General
Motors, are offering economy cars
with standard dual airbags and ABS
biakes.

The base price of the four-door
DX model at $12,118 is reasonable,
but Toyota is taking a risk here with
a higher price than some competi-
tors. Only time will tell if buyers
will pay more for a proven, high
quality vehicle or if they would
rather purchase a average-quality car.
with with more standard features.

The base two-door model can be
had for as little as $10,998, but it is
quite bare in terms of features.

Having said all that, the Tercel
still ranks high because of its high
level of refinement, impossible-to-
fault reliability record, and excellent
resale value, Now if Toyota would
just throw in another airbag and anti-
lock brakes...

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RAR ne “GR

NEWS photo Paul McGrath

Father-mobiles

THE FIFTH annuai Father's Day Oldsmobile Show pulis up to Waterfront Park this Sunday. Two
of the classics (we're talking cars here, not fathers) on display will be Dave Soball’s 1955
Oldsmobile 98 (left) and Gerry Charlesworth’s 1970 Cutlass (right). The show runs from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. at Waterfront Park (located in North Vancouver just west of Lonsdale Quay). .

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intemal and extemal foaks with filar cap :
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