Friday, April 21, 2000 - North Shore News ~ 23

From previous pane

abo quieter and smoother than the previous unit.

Another new feature for the 2000 model year is a four-speed automatic trans- mission with a dual-ratio sec- ond gear. The dual second gear ratio improves launch and passing performance over a broader speed range. The four-speed automatic transmission also features dri- ver-adaptive shifting software which fine-tunes the shift pattern to the driver.

Surprisingly comfortabie

My test vehicle was a fully-equipped Dakota Quad Cab SLY with the new 4.7- litre V8 engine, full-time four-wheel-drive, automatic transmission, premium stereo, and full pawer conve- niences. The Quad Cab is definitely a sharp-looking truck, borrowing styling ele- ments from the bigger Ram pickup which it also shares with the Durango SUV. This styling theme, though radical when introduced in 1994, has held up very well over the years.

Step-up height into the Dakota is high (584 mm/23 in.), but once in, the cabin is very comfortable and well laid-out. The driver’s posi- tion is quite high and out- ward visibility is excellent. Instrument visibility and access to controls is ergonomically correct, and it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position. Rear passen- gers have adequate legroom and generous headroom, much more than in the Dakota Club Cab.

I was impressed by the Quad Cab’s quiet cabin and comfortable highway ride —- the Quad Cab doesn’t ride as

_ harshly as some pickups, and

the roomy cabin gives you the impression that you're riding in an SUV. For off- road driving, the Quad Cab’s high 213 mm (8.4 in.) ground clearance provides plenty of clearance for off- road driving.

The 4.7-litrre SOHC V8 engine is not quite as torquey as the 5. 9-litre OHV V8 engine, but it is sportier with a higher top end, giving

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Dual ratio gearing

improves per

offer outside door handles and roll-down or optional power windows.

the Quad Cab a more dynamic driving appeal. Ata steady 100 km/h, the 4.7- litre V8 turns over just 2,200 Lp.m., so it’s very quiet on the highway. The recently upgraded four-speed auto- matic transmission is seam- less, with shifts that are responsive. without being jerky, and very quiet.

The full-time four-wheel- drive system does its job without any interaction from the driver, but if you want to put the lever into 4WD High for a 50/50 front to rear torque split, you can. There’s also a handy Low gear for really steep inclines.

The Quad Cab’s turning diameter of 12.5 metres (41 ft.) is not bad by truck stan-

2600 4 Eg Vitara

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es No Limit 39 cdi up to 24 months » MS.RP. $21,690.

dards, but still a bit high for city driving.

The great thing about the Quad Cab is its versatili It’s roomy and comfortable enough to use as a family vehicle, but it can also be used for hauling heavy, “dirty” payloads, or towing a trailer — maximum trailer towing capacity is 2,177 kg (4,800 Ib.).

The Dakota Quad Cab is sort of like an SUV with a cargo box tacked onto the back. This will appeal to truck buyers who want the utility of'a pickup, but the Jooks and comfort of a mid- sized SUV.

Prices and trim levels Four-by-two Dakota

Quad Cab models start at $23,800 and 4X4 models start at $27,540. Two trim levels are offered, Sport and SLT. Standard features on Sport models include the

3. 9: litre V6 engine and man- ual transmission, part-time 4WD, AM/FM /cassette stereo, dual airbags, rear anti- -lock brakes, power steer- ing, split front bench seat and 60/46 split rear flip-up bench seat, intermittent wipers, large outside manual- ly adjustable mirrors, 215/75R.15 inch all-season tires and five-speke alloy wheels,

SLT models add standard air conditioning, cruise con- trol, tilt steering wheel, 12- volt power outlet, and a

Drive Select 4x4 © 2,0 litra twin-cam engine @ 4-speaker AM/FM stereo cassette . 24-hour roadside assistance © rugged ladder-box frame © power steering ® tilt steering cliy: 10.4 L/se0 km (ay mpg) ° highway: 851/100 kr Gs mpg)

?( North Van Suzuki ‘| 983-2088

|

NEWS photos Biko Waketiaid THE Dakota Quad Cab’s large rear-hinged doors open almest 90 degrees and

openread

P2

formance

THE 4.7-litre single overhead cam V8 engine puts cut 235 horsepower and 295 ft.-tb. of torque at 3,200 r.p.m.

Convenience option package. The many options avail- able on this truck can really boost the price. Major options include full-time four-wheel-drive, premium stereo with CD, four wheel anti-lock brakes, bucket seats, power driver’s seat, power door locks and win- dows, remote keyless entry, fog lanips, power heated mir-

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rors, two-tone exterior paint, larger tires, skid plates, and limited slip differential.

My test truck, which was equipped with just about

every optional feature, came

to $38,840 - or more ‘than ten thousand dollars above the base price of the Quad Cab 4X4.

The Dakota Quad Cab is built in Warren, Michigan.

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