Honda’s

GOODBYE CRX, hello Civic Del Sol.

The stubby-tailed, fun-to- drive CRX sports car has been replaced by a larger, more refined, ‘open-topped sporty coupe called the Civic Del Sol. The Del Sol is still.a two-seat, front-wheel -drive sporty car based on the subcom- pact Civic, but it is longer, heavier, and has a softer ride and smoother performance than the CRX. .

The transformation from pocket rocket to open-air sporty coupe represents a significant change for Honda’s two-seat sporty car. Sales of the CRX have been dropping over the past couple of years due to increasing competi- tion from a growing number of

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Civic Dei Sol new sporty car achieves excellent fuel economy

has sacrificed some of the spor- tiness of the racy CRX. The

small, sporty cars. Honda is hop- ing to reverse this trend with a sports car designed to appeal to a different, broader market than the performance-oriented CRX.

Open-top motoring is one of the Del sol’s most appealing features. The lightweight alumi- num roof panel weighs just 10kg (23 bs), and can be removed and stored in the trunk by one person (with a little practice). A specially designed panel-holder in the trunk holds the top firmly in place while driving. Even while the panel is in the trunk, there’s stil} about % of the trunk space left, and the panel can be tilted upward with the trunk lid to allow luggage to te loaded.

There are two Civic Del Sol models, a base S and a sporty Si.

photos submitted

THE HONDA Civic Dei Sol replaces the CRX in Honda's 1993 lineup. The two available four-cylinder engines and independent suspension are based on the Civic and Civic Si, but the open- topped styling is all new. The one-piece removable roof panel

can be stored in the roomy trunk.

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The former is equipped with the Civic’s 102-horsepower 1.5-litre, single overhead cam four-cylinder engine with four valves per cyi- inder. The sporty Si is equipped with a 125-horsepower SOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing for greater engine efficiency and fuel economy. Both are available with five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. .

Both engines are quite noisy under hard acceleration, but reasonably quiet at highway cruis- ing speeds, the Si’s engine turning over 2,900 rpm in the fifth gear at 100 kph. The Del Sol has more horsepower than the CPX, but it is 181 kilograms (400 Ibs) heavier, sacrificing some performance. However, the extra weight of the Del Sol makes it feel more stable and balanced, particularly over dips and rises and during corner- ing.

With a three-inch-longer wheelbase, longer wheel travel, and a refined suspension, the Civic Del Sol’s ride is less choppy and bumpy than the CRX. The Del Sol is more civilized, but it

Price as tested (Si) $18,895

Base price (S) $16,795

Type two-door, two-passenger targa-top sports car

Layout transverse front engine/front-wheel drive Engine 1.6-litre four-cylinder, SOHC, 16-valve, variable vaive

suspension is an independent four-wheel double wishbone setup with coil springs and gas- pressurized shocks. The Si adds a front stabilizer bar for firmer handling.

The five-speed manual transmission is fun to use with short, notchy throws, and the four-speed automatic transmission offers competent, smooth chang- ing performance. Most buyers in this sporty car class will probably choose the manual transmission.

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard equipment on the Si and the S model with automatic transmission. However, the S with manual five-speed of- fers oniy non-assisted steering.

Base models have 13-inch radi- als and a front disc/rear arum brake setup, but the Si gets (grip- pier) 14-inch radials and standard disc brakes on all four wheels. An anti-lock braking system is not available, a serious omission on a sports car.

At highway speeds, wind buf- feting with the roof off is accept-

timing, electronic multi-point fuel injection

Horsepower 125 @ 6,600 rpm Terque 100 lbs ft @ 5,200 rpm Transmission five-speed man- ual (four-speed automatic) Tires P185/60R14

Curb weight 1,085 kg/2,396 Ibs Wheelbase 2,370 mm/93.3 in. Length 3,995 mm/157.3 in. Width 1,695 mm/66.7 in.

Shore News - 23

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Greg Wilson

TEST GRIVE

able and even more acceptable when the power-operated rear window is lowered to improve air flow. If it’s cool weather, the Del Sol has special heater vents on the sides of the console to warm the passenger’s legs.

The interior is quite roomy for two passengers, thanks to the Del Sol’s longer wheelbase. A simple

set of round instruments, in- See Del page 28

Height 1,255 mm/49.4 in. Trunk space 10.5 cu.ft/297 litres (top out), 8.3 cu.ft/235 litres (top in)

Fuel economy City 8.3 1/100 km/34 mpg Hwy 6.5 1/100 km/44 mpg

Werranty Basic three yrs/ 60,000 km. Powertrain five yrs/100,000 km