40 — Friday, May 2, 1997 -- North Shore News drive LAST Fall, Dodge made the first signifi- cant changes to the niid-sized Dodge Dakota pickup truck in 10 years. The 1997 Dakota's new styling is a virtual carbon copy of the full-size Dodge Ram pickup which was introduced in 1994 - the Ram's mini “big- rig? styling is still controversial with many traditional truck buyers, but it's proved very successful where it counts --- on the showroom floor. Other chan new sheetmeral, the ‘97 Dakota has a mure attractive, redesigned interior, a stronger frame and a revised suspension designed to improve ride comfort and han- dling, more safety features such as standard dual airbags, and more comfort options including remote keyless entry system and a premium stereo. The Dakota is one of only ‘two mid-sized pickup trucks on the market today, the other being the Toyora T-100. But the Dakota is still che only mid-sized (or compact) pickup truck to offer an (optional) V8 engine: a 230 horsepower 5.2- line V8. This engine enables ~ the Dakota 4X2 Regular Cab model to tow a mailer weigh- ing up to 3,039 kg (6,700 lbs.) and carry a maximum Payload of 1,179 kg (2,600 Ibs.): Two beds are available on 4X2 Regular Cab Dakotas: 6.5 feet or 8 feet, but ali other Dakotas come enly with a 6.5 feet box. The Dakota's beds feature ; four tie-down cleats for secur- ing cargo and wall indenta- tions to support temporary load floors. However, there are no stake holes in the bed walis and the tailgate doesn’t have a locking feature (to prevent it Phote submitted 97 Dodge Dakota picks up on the success of full-size big-rig being stolen). The Dakota’s new Ram- like styling is considerably sportier than the previous model introduced in 1987. The new Dakota’s raised hood, prominent grille and bulging fender flares add an element of aggressiveness that was lacking on the previous model. Dodge is hoping rhe Dakota’s copycat styling will prove just as successful as the bigger Ram pickup. Inside the Dakota, a more rounded, ‘organic’ interior adds increased functionality. The new dash features stan- dard dual airbags, bigger heat- ing and ventilation controls, easier to. read dials, two cupholders, and a 12 volt out- tet. Models with a front-bench seat feature a centre seatback which folds down to reveal an armrest with a large enclosed storage compartment. To accommodate taller drivers and passengers, both front seats now have increased forward and rearward seat track travel. Volvo's cost less the North Shore. TECHNICAL DAN f “Technical Data 1997 Dodge Dakoti Sport’ Clab Cab axa (Price as tested: $25, 385. : tao-door, ve five- extended cab pickup track. ont engi: /RWD /Part-t tame wD Bo, eotiwe VB V3. : 230 @.4;400 np... oN ‘orque: 300 ft.-Ibs. @ 3,200 rpm. Pople: 816 kg (1,800 Ibs.) © Box length: 2 m (6.5 ft.) Tires: 31 X 10.5 R15 OWL all-terrain 7 “Wheelbase: 3,327:mm (131.0 in.) :5,464 mm (215.1 in.) : ae ; fens 4,816 mm (71.5 in.) fl cp 1,730 ram (68.1 in.) : City. ). “Hw rr. 1/10 1/100, kms (22 mi PB) ; Warren three years /60,000 f kms. Club Cab models have a forward-facing rear bench seat which seats three people (in a pinch). When not in use, the split seat cushion can be folded up against the seatback te: pro- vide valuable interior storage space including two covered storage compartments. Rear passengers also have their own cupholders and open storage bins. Unlike some pickup trucks, the Dakota Club Cab doesn’t 3 Nox-est Radiators specialists since 1952 RADIATOR & AIR CONDITIONING offer a third, rear door for entering, and exiting the rear seating area. However, it docs have an ‘easy-entey’ front pas- senger scat that slides out of the way to make entry easier. Though the primary pur- pose of a pickup truck ts utifi- ty, more and more emphasis is being placed on comfort. The Dakota is now offered with such niceties as a premium _ Infinity stereo system, com- pass, outside temperature dis- olay, trip computer and remote kevless entry. A slighdly wider track and larger tires combined with a stronger frame, bigger shock absorbers, longer control arms and a smaller tuming radius have significantly improved handling, steering, nde com- fort and noise isolation. Powertrains haven't changed significantly since the previous model: base Dakota 2WD models have a standard" 120 horsepower 2.5-litre four- cylinder engine while 4X4 Regular Cab and 4X2/4X4 THE redesigned 1987 Dodge Dakota pickup features Dodge Ram look-a-like styling, a more functional intertor with standard duai airbags, an improved ride, and a greater * selection of cam- fort features. Test drive the new Dakota on the North Shore at Mountview Dodge Chrysier (1600 Marine Dr., North Van, 980-3431) and at Regency Pontiac 1160 Marine Dr., North Van, 985-6333}. Ciub Cab models have a stan- dard 175 horsepower 3.9-litre V6 engine. The 5.2-lire V8 is optional on all Dakota models. All except the base four-cylin- der model are available with both five-speed manual trans- mission or optional four-speed automatic. As betare, 4X4 Dakotas come with a part-time, shift- on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system wath high and low ranges. ; A number of new safety fearures have been added to the ‘97 Dakota. All seats, except the centre front and rear seats, have three point seatbelts thar are hei; adjustable. A new safety system unlocks the dvors and turns 3 on the lights in the event that an airbag deploys. Rear wheel anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes are optional. - And there are new reinforcing beams in the doors. Base regular cab Dakotas with the four-cylinder engine start at $16,250. Regular cab 4X4’s with a standard V6" engine are priced at $20,915. Two-wheel-drive V6-powered Club Cab Dakota’s start at $20,410 while 4X4’s are $23,855. V8-powered Club Cab Sport models start at $25,385. "Get the personal touch” Accredited Collision oa 116 Pemberton Ave. *FREE ESTIMATES *COURTESY CARS 984-0512 : SINCE 1975 PARTS FOR ALL MAKES AUTOMOTIVE, MARINE & UGHT INDUSTRIAL ‘SPECIALTY WOLWO 1235 Marine Drive, North Vancouver (604) 980-2464 ~~ eee Tiaid Bie Gter matt ay 3 1997, with delvery requied by June 15, 1997. Leases have 8 13.200 brv/year aflowance ($0. 10/iet) on excess}. A down payment or equivalent trade of $2,695 is required, and fregid and POY, thes, feece and insurance are era. Ths lease * wid be entited fo purctiss the vehicle at the end of the wase for $25, 196526. 969831,857 * New, Used & Re- “core. tf aly _ * Compiete Service * Gas Tanks 8 aa AEN & Repair * Water Pumps . oi) ed AS Retrofitting 1575 West 14th St. 984-03 74 Machine Shop Service Professional Advice is Free! "MACHINE SHOP