Plenty of room jor four in Bimmer From page 26 However, the 2.5-litre engine is definitely quicter, smoother and more power- ful than the 1.9-litre four- cylinder engine in the 318is. With its traditional longi- tudinal front engine/rear- wheel-drive layout, the 323is exhibits the same kind of excellent cornering balance as other 3-Serics models. Handling and ride are probably the nwo best fea- tures of the 3-Series, and the 323is is no exception. The 323is is so well-bai anced and so comfortable, that itis relatively casy to drive quickly, which in torn reduces strain and fatigue on the driver. I had one complaint: I experienced some tore /att driveline lurching when changing gears. One reason the 1999 3- Series will be bigger is that newer competitors, like the Audi A4, have grown in size. The current 3-Series has adequate room for four adults (it has five seatbelts), and for easier entry to the rear, both front seats tlt for- wards. north shore news % AUTO However, the interioe teels compact when com- pared with the Audi A4, Cadiilac Catera, and Lexus ES300, In addition, when back- ing up, its difficult to see the rear of the car, making it difficult to judge how far away vou are trom solid objects. All 323 models are well- equipped with standard automatic climate control with dual temperature con- trols, a premium sound sys- tem with 10 speakers, and white-on-black round instruments which are back- lit in red at nighttime. A useful feature is an instant. fuel consumption readout directly ahead of the driver — it helps remind you just how much fuel you're wasting when you BMW 323is coupe technical data Curb weight: 1395 kg (3,075 Ibs.) Base price: $39,900 floor the gas pedal. Other standard features include remote kevless entry, sunroof, cruise control, 205 /60R-15 inch radials, alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, specd-sen- MUVE power steering, and fou lights. A panel with ovo cupholders and an ashtray has been added to the cen- tre area between the seats, but it looks rather Mimsy. The front seats offer excellent support and have multiple adjustments for height, rake, tilt and fore/att position. Standard safety features include front and side airbags, traction control (ASC + T), front and rear height-adjustable head restraints, inboard mounted rear shoulder belts, and doors that unlock automatically in a crash. The 323is Coupe starts at $39,900 and the 323i Convertible goes for Friday, March 13, 1998 — North Shore News ~ 27 Lexus recalls recent models LEXUS Division of Toyota Canada recent- ly announced a volun- tary recall campaign to modify certain starter motors. The recall involves the 1995-1997 LS 400 and 1996-1997 SC 400. Lexus will replace the starter motor magnetic switch in 976 1995-1997 LS 400 and 136 1996-1997 SC 400 models. The carmaker has determined that due to improper assem- bly of an clectncal connector terminal, a short circuit may occur if electrically conduc- tive liquid, such as salt water moisture, enters this area. As a result, the starter motor may not operate or, in very rare instances, it could result in melted wiring or an under-hood — fire. And although that condition is™ extremely unlikely, the com- pany is voluntarily recalling all vehicles in which this cor- ponent is installed to ensure product re‘vability and safety. According to a Lexus press release, dealers will work proactively with their customers to assure the most convenient service arrange: ments. In addition, cus- tomers’ cars will receive a complimentary wash and refuelling. 2S vn se as 0 es een oe ae oe —y Length: 4433 mm (174.5 in.) Width: 1710 mm (67.3 in.) For Spring!® Height: 1366 mm (53.8 in.) Trunk capacity: 405 litres (14.3 cu. ft.) $49,900. ; P re The body style still looks ae: good even after all these years, and like the previous generation of 3-Serics mod- els, they will probably become highly prized used automobiles when the new ‘Type: two-door, five-passenger coupe Layout: longitudinal front engine/rear- wheel-drive Engine: 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves Fuel consumption: City — 11.6 1/100 km Horsepower: 168 @ 5,500 r.p.m. (24 mop.g.); Hwy — 7.2 1/100 km (39 Torque: 181 ft.-Ib. @ 3950 r.p.m. n.p.g.) °° Hand Wark, War & Puls « hoch & Tires © Winds ff & Cha + Complete brence Shangen* Clean & Dees Vary vleather © Ashiras. Comule & Dahhaad Transmission: five-speed manual Warranty: four year/80,000 kms model arrives. 15 IMPREZAS TO CHOOSE FROM COUPE, SEDAN AND SPORTWAGON All wheel drive » 80 watt AM/FM cassette 2.2 |, 137 H.P. 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