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A.P. McCredie

985-2131 (113)

NOW THAT monsoon sea-
son is upon us, the last thing
you're thinking about is dri-
ving with the roof off. Lets
fast forward a few months.
Now, picture yourself cruis-
ing across the Lions Gate
bridge, enjoying those first
warm and sunny days of
spring, in 2 new Honda Del
Sol. Got the picture? Good.

First thing, let's address a nagyy
question: Js the Del Sol a convert-
ible, or is it. a coupe with a really
big sunroof? [ tend to be in the
coupe/sunroof camp. A true con-
yerlible, in my mind, gives the dri-
ver unlimited sky and just cnough
wind to tickle the fun nerves. Even
though the Del Sol’s targa-style
roof can be stored in the trunk, and
the rear window rolled down, }
never got the feeling I was in a true
convertible. Don't get me wrong,
however, this car is fun in the sun,

What I do like is the new VTEC

STREET TEST

engine, Honda first used VTEC
technology in their Formula One
race cars aad won lots, and I mean
lots, of races. VTEC stands for
variable valve timing electronically
controlled, and does two main
things. First, it improves power at
iow and high speeds, and second, it
allows for better gas mileage. More
power and Jess money at the pump.
Where do | sign up?

The Del Sol is a small car with a
high-revving , 160 hp engine that
sereams all the way up to its £23
rpm red line. | know car manufac-
turers design sporty cars to let a
certain amount of engine noise
inside the cabin, but the Del Sol's a
bit too foud for me. The nature of
this engine is to rev high. So, long

Photo submitted

HONDA'S DEL Sol offers quick and responsive handling, and a targa-style removable roof.

spells behind the wheel can be
noise-fatiguing.

For sheer flat out driving thrills,
the Del Sol VTEC is hard to beat.
Handling is quick and responsive.
Even with 160 horses pumping
through the front tires, the steering
wheel is quite tame. The small gear
shifter is lots of fun to throw back
and forth around town.

{ did notice a rattle from the
removable top. So take it off! With
the roof neatly stored in the large
trunk, I’m ready to test the daily
U.Y. index. (Keep in mind this car
only has room for two sunbathers.)
Interior storage is limited to a smal!

1—1994 De! Sol VTEC was $23,500
1—1995 Del Soi VTEC, black
1-1995 Del So! Si, white, autormatic
1-1993 Del Se! Si, 5 sp, black, spoiler $17,900

* Trades welcome

¥* Honda financing

* ICBC insurance
on premises

NOW $21,869 + PDI

RR Pacitic Honda
2 blocks Eust of
Capitano Mall

glove box, centre console and
boxes behind the sporty and comfy
seats. The dash is an interesting
blend of traditional dials, including
a strange placement for switches
like the rear defog and driving
tights. The radio has a neat, peek-a-
boo, now you see it, now you don’t
cover to keep it out of view from

nasty car thieves.

Beauty is in the eye of the
owner. So, who am ! to say I'm not
a big fan of the exterior. [ guess |
just did! The good news is, when
the driver is behind the wheel, the
only thing to look at is the road
ahead and the rear view mirror for
flashing green and red lights.

WE?-VE COMBINED THE
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RS MODEL,

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PREMIUM PACKAGE
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DUAL AIR-BAGS
6 CYL ENGINE
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Prices shown are net of alf rebates

Ge; REGENCY Mi

DA

350 KINGSWAY AT 12TH., VANCOUVER

PHONE 7
DAYS A WEEK