Ford takes on mini-van champion IN 1983, no one could have imagined how successful mini-vans would become in just 10 years — except per- haps Chrysler’s marketing types who predicted that their new Magic Wagons would be enormously suc- cessful. (They tend to say that about all the vehicles they introduce, though.) 43.40? Chrysler's mini-vans rrivyd, small vans like the Vi" wagen microbus and Toyota Van represented a very small por- tion of vehicle sales. In 1983, total mini-van sales in North America were 14,000. In 1993, the figure was 1,150,000. In Canada, mini-vans represent 27% of the entire truck market, and Chrysler has almost half of that market. Mini-vans are particularly popular in B.C. — 259% of all mini- vans sold in Canada are sold in B.C. Chrysler still dominates the mini-van market despite the fact that the 1994 model is basically a mildly restyled, mildly re-engi- neered version of the first Chrysler mini-vans introduced in the early eighties. The Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan and Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager and the upscale Town & Country continue to increase sales each year. Chrysler’s nine competitors, all introduced after the Chrysler mini- vans, scramble for the other 50% of the mini-van market. They include the Mercury Villager, Nissan Quest, Ford Aerostar, Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari, Pontiac Trans Sport, Chevrolet Lumina Van, Toyota Previa, and Mazda MPV. Both Honda and Hyundai have 94 ASPIRE H /BACK 5 Speed, Dual Air Bags. Stock #65667 94 TAURUS él 3.9, Astomatic, Air Conditioning, Dual Air Bogs, Sgeed Control, Light Group, AM/FM Cossetic. Stock #IAGI4} S18, 220 94 WINDSTAR 3.8, Automatic, Dual Air Bags, Air Conditioning, Tinted Windows, Deluxe Wheel Covers, Body Side Moulding, Stock #6369 $21,990 | Alf retnites axutned to dealer Greg Wilson AUTOMOTION mini-vans on their drawing boards, but the only serious threat to Chrysler's dominance right now is the new Ford Windstar, aimed directly at the Grand Caravan and Grand Voyager, Chrysler's extend- ed wheelbase mini-vans. Though considerably more aerodynamic (stylish?) than the Grand Caravan/Voyager, the Windstar offers the ‘same basic design parameters as the Chrysler vans. It’s a front-wheel-drive, seven passenger mini-van that fits inside a standard garage, and has a low step-in height, a sliding rear side-door and a lift-up rear hatch. The Windstar’s wheelbase is just slightly longer than the Caravan’s (3,065 mm/120.7 in.), and seating arrangements are simi- lar: a standard 2/2/3 seating arrangement with optional rear captain's chairs. The Windstar’s rear bench scat slides forwards to the back of the second seat to increase cargo space, and both rear bench seats 94 MUSTANG 3.8, 5 Speed, Power Sect, Duel Air Bags. Stock #M6853 are removable, just like the Magic Wagons. However, the Windstar has one advantage. Both the second and third seatbacks will fold flat while Chrysler’s second seatback is fixed (except when the optional seat/bed is ordered). And while Chrysler's interiors are practical and straightforward, the Windstar’s interior is futuristic with a wide, sweeping dashboard and protruding center console. Your choice of interiors will depend on how conservative you are. The Windstar is 58 mm (2.3 in.) wider and slightly fonger than the Grand Caravan, but the Chrysler van has about the same amount of cargo area behind the front seats due to clever interior space packag- ing. The Windstar’s extra width gives passengers more elbow room and there’s slightly more legroom. In addition, the Windstar’s wider track and larger, wider 15- inch tives provide more stable, car- like handling. In particular, the ride for rear passengers is smoother because of the Windstar’s semi- independent twist-beam and coil spring suspension. Chryster vans use a non-independent beam and leaf springs. Conversely, the Chrysler van’s smaller size makes it slightly more nimble in traffic. The Windstar is noticeably quieter than the Grand Caravan too, though neither could be described as noisy. The Windstar’s standard power- train is a 155-horsepower, 3.8-litre pushrod V6, about the same as Chrysler's optional 162-horsepow- er, 3.8-litre V6. Both vans offer standard four-speed automatic transmissions. The performance of both vans is about the same. though the heavier Windstar seems slightly slower. 94 ESCORT WAGON 1,9, 5 Speed, Power Steering, Light Group, uel Mirrors, Air Bog, Stock #£6500 $12,990 94 CROWN VICTORIA iX 4.6, Auto., Air Cond., Leather Int., Cellular Phone, Anti Lock Brokes, High Level Audio, Duo! Power My Seats, Rear Air Suspension, Remote Keyless Entry, Trailer Tow Pkg,, Cast Mag Wheels, Stock #6589 04 RANGER SPLASH 2.3, 5 Spead, Chrome Wheels, Cloth 60/40 Seats, Colour Keyed Bumpers, 235 Tires. Stock #R6039 $13,990 527,660 94 EXPLORER 4X4 XLT, Automatic, Leather Interior, Running Boards, Sunroof, Electronics Group, Limited Slip Axle, Power Windows, Power Locks, Cruise Control, Tilt Steering. Stock #EXS860 $29,880 | 879 MARINE DRIVE * NORTH VANCOUVER 980-2411 Unlike the Grand Caravan, the Windstar is not available with smaller (3.3-litre, 3.0-litre) engines, all-wheel-drive, or a short wheelbase. Ford offers the Mercury Villager as an alternative to the short-wheelbase Caravan/Voyager, and it’s available at both Ford and See Battle page 30 AirCare SPECIALISTS Our 36th > x] | FIVE STAR SERVICE x Tune-ups | * Fuel systems | * Electrical | Airt Gov.Certified #50222 B.C.A.A. & A,R.A. approved * Consultation *« 985-7455 CHRYSLER Includes: Up to SL of Mopar 4 Premium Oil and Filter © 15 point inspection ENVIRONMENTAL CHARGE EXTRA OUR FIVE STAR GUARANTEE: “READY WHEN PROMISED ... OR YOU SON’T PAY!” * Applicable to most Chrysler Canude vehicles. Ask fur detalis. FF REGENCY } cel REGENCY PLYMOUTH CHRYSLER INC. 1177 Marine Drive, North Vancouver 980-8501.