Friday, August 8, 1997 -- North Shore News — 33

~

share

B.C.AA. - ARA.
ApTROVED CENTRE

Mercedes- Benz M320 tectinical data

Amole
legroom
lauded

From page 32

wheel-drive system is differ-
ent from other AWD systems
because its open differentials
do not transfer torque via a
viscous coupling or locking
differential. Instead, a suphis-
ticated four-wheel traction
control system called 4-FETS,
senses wheel spin and applies
the brakes to the wheel or
wheels that are spinning,

thereby transferring torqite to
the other wheels. In addition,

the driver can choose a Low
Range (via a pushbutton on
the dasi) to provide more
torque and engine compres-
sion in both stecp up and
downhill sections.

The deceptively simple 4-
ETS system works very well.
In my off-road test, the
M1320 provided grip on
steep grades in appallingly
slippery conditions. And
there was very little mechani-
cal noise from the transfer
case or drivetrain —- unusual
ina 4X4. This simple, light-
weight all-wheel-drive system
could very well redefine the
way four-wheel-drive systems
are built.

On the road, the ML320
provides a level of cornering
stability and ride smoothness

that is much: better than most

mid-sized sport-utes. The
typical choppiness and top-
heavy handling associated
with most mid-sized sport
utes is virtually eliminated.

However, the ML320's
vehicle height provides a
higher center of gravity than
a typical passenger car, or
even @ mini-van -— so don’t
expect it to handle like an
£320 sedan. While most
four-wheel-drive vehicles
have fairly large turning cir-
cles, the ML320 has a turn-
ing diameter of just 10.5
metres, increasing its maneu-
verability.

The ML320’s interior
looks very much like a
Mercedes-Benz passenger
car, with a wood-trimmed
dash, white on black instru-
ments, and a blacked-out
centre control panel for the
radio and automatic climate
control. The ML320’s seat-
ing position is high relative
to other cars on the road,
and outward visibility is
good in most directions
except for the right and left

rear quarter views — thick
“C” pillars obscure some of
the view.

ML320's will be offered
in two trim levels: Classique
to be priced in the mid
$40,090"s; and Elegance, to
be priced in the low
$50,000's. The ML320 is
built in a new Mercedes-
Benz plant in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama. North Americans
will be the first to get the
ML320 this Fall - Europeans
will have to wait until next
Spring.

In my opinion, the
ML320 establishes a new
benchmark in the mid-size
sport-utility class, particularly
its innovative four-whee)-
drive system, and its car-like
ride and handling.

Technical

Data 1998
Mercedes-Benz 411320
Base price: $45,000
(approx.)

Type: four-door, five or
seven-passenger, — mid-size
sport utiliry

Layout: longitudinal front
engine /all-whee!-drive
Engine: 3,2-litre V6,
SOHC, three valves per
cylinder

92 Dedge Caravan
nicely equipped.
only $73,988

90 Maza MPV
4 wheel drive with options, all
Season mini-van
only $12,995
SE 1 ATE

fiat
94 Toyola Previa AWD
7 passenger, fully loaded
only $30,995

Horsepower: 2] @ 5500
rpm.

Torque: 234 ft.-Ibs. @ 3000
rpm.
Transmission:
automatic
Transfer case: two-speed
(High/Low)
Curb weight:
(4,200 Shs.)
Wheelbase: 28279  =mm
(11).0in.}

five-speed

1903 kp

Length: 4587 mm (180.6
li.)

Width: 1834 mm (72.2 in.)
Height: 1775 mm (09.9 in.j
Cargo capacity: seats up —
1109 litres (89.1 cu. ft;
seats down — 2418 litres
(85.4 cu. ft.)

Tires: 255 /65R-16 MeS
Fuel consumption: n/a
Warranty;

years /80,000 km

four

89 Camry LE

| Touring package, excellent condition

only $78,495

91 BMW 325i
Automatic, fully loaded, leather
interior, spotiess
only $17,995

92 Mazda MPV
7 passenger, automatic, priced to sell
only $13,995

92 Camry LE
Low kms, full optians
only $16,995

89 Tay ata LE Van
Automatic, HA power group, 7
passenger
ohiy ai, 4,995

"DON TAYLOR
Same owner, same high
tech equipped shop

90 Camry LE
V6, 25th anniversary edition, 2 to
choose from. and fe mint

92 Dodge Spirit
4 door, automatic, excellent value
only $7,495

95 4-Runner

Very low kin’s, excellent condition

only $29,995

TALKING
YELLOW PAGES
299-9000
7141515.

Siongre a

“UPETIME.
GUARANTEE”

| AS LONG AS YOU OWN YOUR CAR f
* Sstimates * §

Consultation
985-7455

.. Garrolla Demos
save thousands on these
low km cars

9 Plymoutts Acciaim
Exceilent 4 door family sedan
only $6,595 a

92 vy Passat 960
Syncro, great sporty sedan
only $13,995