Ital picks up a van
Page 10
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BL CARS has brought the specification of its 440/575 range of vans and pick-ups into line with the It& car range. Changes have been made to the front end styling, the engine and the interior trim.
Interior noise levels are said to have been drastically reduced, but the prices have been increased by about 15 per cent.
The standard power unit for all models is now the latest high compression (9.4:1) 1,275cc Aplus engine, which is rated at 45kW (60.8bhp) at 5,400rpm. This is an in-line version of the transverse unit fitted to the 1.3 litre Metro. A low compression (8.0:1) 55bhp engine will be available as an option. Engine oil change intervals have been extended from 6,000 to 12,000 miles.
The A-plus engine's cylinder block casting has crankcasestrengthening ribs which reduce noise at source, and the noise level in the cab is further reduced by the use of ltal noise insulation.
Plastic and chipfoam insulation mouldings are fitted to the facia and bulkhead, and the engine mountings have been modified.
The new facia has a lidded glove box, a parcel tray and illuminated switches and heater controls. The single binnacle of Marina models is replaced by twin instrument groups.
L-models in the Ital van/pickup range have more luxurious trim including cloth covered seats, a four-spoke steering wheel, passenger door courtesy light switches, soft trimmed door panels with armrests/door pulls and door bins, and inertia reel seat belts.
All the ltal commercials undergo the same anti-corrosion treatment as used on other Austin Rover Group vehicles built at the Cowley plant. Van and pick-up body shells have zinc phosphate pre-treatment, an electrocoat primer, full underbody sealing and wax injection in the box sections. The list prices (excluding vat) of the new !WI 440/575 range are as follows: