THE FULL-SIZE, six-passenger, front-wheel drive 1992 Buick LeSabre receives new styling and a new interior including a driver’s side airbag. A 170-horsepower 3.8-litre V6 engine and electronically-controlted four-speed automatic tranmission are standard equipment. suick LeSabre Friday, June 12, 1992 - North Shore News - 31 New styling with familiar big-car ride and powertrain NEW EXTERIOR $s styling and a new interior are the big changes for the 1992 Buick LeSabre, but undemeath, it’s pretty much the same car as before. Greg Wilson TEST DRIVE. The full-sized front-wheel- drive LeSabre continues to offer six-passenger roominess, a big-car ride, and an effortless V6 power- train, all qualities for which I have complimented this car in the Past. The conservative wedge-shaped profile of the previous model was beginning to look rather dated mext to the contemporary aerodynamic styling of some competitors. The elegant shape of the new LeSabre, on the other hand, embodies a successful com- bination of classic styling elements such as a flowing hip line, sepa- ” rate, fluted grilie, and a rounded roofline, and contemporary styling features such as flush window glass, wraparound halogen headlamps, and aircraft-like doors with no drip rails. The 1992 LeSabre has a regal, Jaguar-like presence, which should add to its prestige appeal. The interior, too, has been restyled, although perhaps not quite as successfully. A wraparound dashboard with ar- tificial wood veneer trim includes a full set of round gauges and a centrally mounted stereo and climate control system. In a rather unusual move, some of the primary controls, such as_ the headlight switch, have been located on the doors. Driver and passenger now have separate temperature controls (optional on some models), and a driver’s side airbag is now standard equipment. As with the previous LeSabre, interior room is very generous. The space-saving design of the transverse engine and_ front- wheel-drive layout free up lots of room to stretch your legs in the front and back seats, something that cannot be said for most cars. With the absence of a centre con- sole (the LeSabre has a coiumn shifter), three people can sit in the front split (55/45) bench seat, al- though it is a bit of a squeeze. Lap and shoulder belts are stand- ard for front and rear outboard passengers (the front belts are height-adjustable), and centre passengers have lap belts. The front fold-down armrest has a handy storage compartment containing a flip-out two-cup cupholder, coin storage, and cassette hoiders, but there is no fold-down armrest in the rear seat. The quality, fit, and finish of the interior materials could be better for a car in this price range. The artificial wood trim has a glossy, plastic-like appearance, and some of the chrome trim doesn’t line up perfectly where joints meet. Another small com- plaint, the rear windows wind down only one-third of the way. The LeSabre’s familiar V6 powertrain is one of its best features. The 1!70-horsepower, 3.8-litre V6 engine has streng, smooth acceleration from low speeds and motors along comfor- tably and quietly at highway speeds. Fuel economy is pretty good on the highway, but only average around town. Transport Canada’s combined ur- ban/highway gas mileage rating is 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres (28 mpg), still a respectable figure for a big car. A smooth engine deserves a smooth transmission, and GM’s new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is a competent partner, shifting almost unnoticed most of the time and responding quickly when ac- celerating. A manual transmission is not available on the LeSabre. The LeSabre’s independent suspension, wide track and tong wheelbase contribute to an ex- tremely comfortable city and highway ride. Two suspension packages are available, the stand- ard Dynaride suspension with hydraulic struts and coil springs, and the firmer Gran Touring suspension. Of these, the Gran Touring suspension offers better stability and control during sus- tained high-speed driving, but feels somewhat stiffer during everyday, around-town driving. Front disc/rear drum brakes are adequate to the task of stopping the LeSabre’s 1,500 kg curb weight, and I would recommend ordering the available ABS anti- lock brakes for greater safety and steering control in panic stop situ- ations (ABS is standard on Limited, optional on base Custom model). The big trunk is wide and deep with a flat loading floor and trunk lid that reaches down to bumper level for easier loading. The rear seats do not fold forward to in- crease cargo space; however, this trunk is big enough for most needs. Trailer owners will be happy te know that the LeSabre Limited has an increased towing capacity, up from 2,060 Ibs to 3,000 lbs, provided the car is equipped with an optional trailer towing package. To help prevent theft, the LeSabre comes standard with GM’s Pass-key, an ignition key with an encoded metal chip. The base price of the LeSabre Custom is $23,198, and the LeSabre Limited is $27,950. My test car, equipped with most op- tions, topped out at just under $30,000. Considering its passenger capac- ity, trunk room, powertrain and level of equipment, the LeSabre is a comparatively good value. Price as tested $29,415 Base price $23,198 Type six-passenger, four-door sedan Rayout transverse engine/front wheel drive Engine 3.8-litre OHV V6, elec- front tronic port fuel injection Horsepower 170 @ 4,800 rpm Torque 220 Ibs-ft @ 3,300 rpm Curb weight 1,561 kg/3,442 Ibs Wheelbase 2,815 mm/140.8 in. Length 5,080 mm/200.0 in. Width 1,902 mm/74.9 in. Height 1,415 mm/55.7 in. Trunk space 17.0 cu.ft. Fuel economy city 13.2 L/100 km, 2! mpg; hwy 8.0 L/100 km, 35 mpg Warranty basic 60,000 km three yrs/