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Pick of the fleet ears

356

Peugeot Automobiles SA Peugeot House, 333 Western Avenue, London W3 DEUGEOT is yet another French manufacturer trying to seize a share of the British fleet car market. Its newly introduced 305 model — part of its new generation vehicles — is on show in force with four vehicles, a GL, a GR and two SRs along with a cutaway model.

Three models new to the UK are making their appearance this year. They are the revamped 504 which still uses the 1796cc power unit, but which has a completely new facia and instrument panel. The gear lever is now floor mounted and the car is available with automatic transmission as an optional extra.

Also making its debut is the Estate diesel 504 which has the large 2112cc XD90 engine, said to give good fuel economy.

The 504 line-up at the NEC is completed by a TI automatic and a manual family estate car.

The third new vehicle to be seen is another version of the 104, the ZL. This is a three-door hatchback coupe which shares the same body shell as the 104ZS which is also showing.

However, the ZL has the same 954cc (58cuin) all aluminium engine which is common to the 104GL. A 104GL is also displayed as are two SL 104s one of which is equipped with a luxury pack.

457

Chrysler UK Ltd, PO Box 46, London Road, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry MAKING a first appearance at a British car show, Chrysler's Horizon is on display in force, with no less than six vehicles.

Three of these are the top GLS model which have the 1,294cc (79cuin) power unit.

Also shown with this engine size is a GL model while another GL has the smaller engine option of 1,11 8cc (68cuiM, Last of the Horizons is an LS again with the smaller engine. This latter model won't be avail able in the UK until early next For those preferring conventional layout (the Horizon is transversely engined and frontwheel drive) the Sunbeam is well represented with five on show.

Two are GLSs with 1.6-litre (97.6cuin) engines, while the GL has a 1.3-litre (79.3cuin) unit. The remaining two are LSs, one with the 1.6-litre (97.6cuin) unit and the other with the smallest engine option, the onelitre (61cuin).

Four Avengers are exhibited — an LS and a GL each with 1.3-litre (79.3cuin) engines a GLS with a 1.6-litre (97.6cuin) unit and a GL estate also with the larger engine.

The popular Alpine which is now fitted with "Hall effect" electronic ignition, and a new "ease of servicing' r package is shown in S. GL and GLS forms.

The two S models have 1,442cc (88cuin) engines as does the GLS, while the GL has the standard 1,274cc (79cuin) engine. It's possible to order the larger power unit for this model as an optional extra.

At the top of the Alpine range, the GLS is equipped to a luxury specification including radio/cassette player with door speakers, crushed velour upholstery and electric window lifts. For the two-litre market segment, Chrysler has its two-litre finished in Sovereign gold with tobacco trim.

This vehicle has automatic transmission. More exotic machinery from Chrysler is the Matra Bagheera sports car and a Rancho. This latter is Chrysler's entry in the go-anywhere stakes although it only has two-wheel drive and that to the front wheels.

470

Austin, Morris, Jaguar, Rover, Triumph NOW THAT British Leyland's car division has been reorganised, hopefully for the last time, the corporate title has been dropped in favour of separate car identities, in two groups. These are Austin-Morris for volume produced cars, and Jaguar, Rover, Triumph for quality and sports cars.

In spite of its Nuffield origins MG also comes under the JRT banner. Austin Morris is well represented with 30 vehicles on show. Four of these, a Princess 2 2000 FIL, a Maxi 1750 HL, an Allegro 175.0, and a Marina 1700 HL Automatic form a special feature with a constant moving display.

All the other cars on show are very much fleet cars as well as private motorist vehicles. There, are five Minis — an example of each from the 850 through to the 1275 GT and including a Mini Clubman and Clubman Estate. Two of these Minis, a Mini 1000 and the Clubman Estate — which is automatic — are entries for the coachwork competition. Each of the cars is fitted with a different manufacturer's tyres.

Allegros are represented by six models including a two-door 1100 de luxe which has the A-Series power unit of 1,098cc (67cuin), a four-speed allsynchromesh gearbox transversely mounted beneath the engine taking drive to the front wheels.

Other models of the Allegro on display are a top of the range 1750 HL and a 1 500 Estate. These two vehicles use similar power units to the Maxi, the overhead camshaft E-Series.

Marinas have been given a new lease of life for this year's show by the replacement of the old 1,800cc (110cuin) B-Series overhead valve engine with the completely new 0-Series unit. This has a capacity of 1,700cc (104cuin) and produces 58kW (78bhp) and is an overhead cam set-up driven by a belt.

There are three of the new engined Marinas on the stand, a 1700L 4 door, a 1700 HL automatic and a 1700L estate. The smaller engined Marinas still employ the 1,275cc (77.8cuin) overhead valve unit which gives 42.5kW (57bhp) at 5,500rpm. In all five 1300s, as these cars are now designated, are exhibited and they give a cross-section of models available and range from a 1300 two-door through to a 1300HL four-door.

All Marinas have had cosmetic treatment including a front spoiler made from plastic and revised bumpers with hard plastic ends. These have the front indicator lamps recessed and are black with bright strip insets on standard models and chromium plated with rubber inserts on L and HL models.

Built in radiator grille driving lamps are fitted to all models. There are a number of detail changes to trim and a general bringing up of the overall specification of the cars.

Maxis are shown in both 1500 and 1750HL forms and there is additionally a 1750 Automatic version. Earlier in the year the Princess range was revitalised with the introduction of the 0-Series engine in both 1,700cc (104cuin) and two-litre

(122cuin) sizes. This gave Austin Morris a competitor in the two-litre executive field. The 1700 unit replaced the old BSeries unit, but the transmission on these vehicles stays the same — four-speed synchromesh. Top of the expanded rangeis still the 2200 which employs the existing six-cylinder overhead camshaft unit developed from the E-Series.

At Birmingham A-M has a 1 700 HL Princess with head restraints and Sundym glass. A ,2000 is displayed with vinyl roof and power-steering, and there are two 2200s, an HL with head restraints and Denovo tyres and an HLS. This completes the Austin Morris line-up.

At the upper end of the scale Jaguar, Rover, Triumph are showing examples of their executive cars including the Rover 3500, 2600 and 2300, as well as examples from the Jaguar range. The Rover 3500 now has rear seat-belts fitted as standard and the 2600 is equipped with standard power steering. The first of the Canley produced TR7s is also making its debut.

481

Honda (UK) Ltd, 4 Power Road, Chiswick, London HONDA is well represented with two Civics, one a three-door, the other five, both of which are in new colours. Both feature automatic transmission and the three-door is in black, while the five-door is in gold.

Accords are shown in three guises, one of which, the Executive, is new to Britain. It has power steering, power windows, and other luxury extras not found on the standard models. Based on the four-door Accord, the executive will be available in the UK around spring time.

Another four-door Accord, this time a bronze model, is shown with automatic transmission and power steering. Completing the Honda display is a .manual, three-door hatchback Accord in the new beige colour.

483

Ford Motor Co Ltd, Eagle .Way, Watley, Brentwood, Essex

AS MARKET leaders in the fleet car business Ford is showing plenty this year, although it doesn't have a completely new model.

Contrary to popular opinion the new Escort has not been unveiled this year, so prospective purchasers will have to look at the face-lift versions instead. There are six of these including the new RS 2000 Custom and one of the works rally cars.

All Escorts except the Ghia feature a matt black grille and have a soft grip two-spoke steering wheel. The track has been increased front and rear and radial tyres are standard on all cars in the Escort range.

Square headlights are the major change on the L, which is the best-seller. Other changes on view are new fabric trim and a perforated headlining which has extra Sound deadening material.

Escort is the second best selling car in Britain, only beaten to first place by the ubiquitous Cortina. Five versions of this model, which is unchanged except for the fitment of inertia reel seat belts, are on display including a four-door GL which has been kitted out to show off many examples of the Motorcraft range of off-the-shelf accessories. These include a stereo tape player, rear seat belts, air horns and a speedcontrol device.

Ford Capri models also take a surprisingly large share of the fleet market and the marque is represented at Birmingham this year by four examples ranging from a 1.6L through to the topline 3.0 Ghia. This is shown in Apollo Green which is one of Ford's new colours for the Show.

The heavily contested top executive market is represented for Ford by three models from its Granada range. These have been supplemented by a 2.Bi GLS model which in fact replaces the 2.8i S and 2.8i GL saloons and estates. TRX tyres on alloy wheels and the uprated suspension from the old S model are two of its chief attractions. All GL and Ghia Granadas for 1979 have central door locking.

Pride of place on the Ford Car stand is given to a 1.3 Ghia version of the Fiesta in Cosmos blue. In addition a special limited edition Fiesta called the Kingfisher is shown. This is finished in Cosmos blue and Stratos silver and features a host of special features.

The Kingfisher is aimed, Ford says, at those requiring some thing more than the 1.1 L but at lower cost than the 1.1 Ghia. One thousand two-tone versions in the colour mentioned will be produced with 750 in each of the single colours.

484

Vauxhall Motors Ltd, PO Box 3 Kimpton Road, Luton, Beds AMONG the major manufacturers, Vauxhall is the one showing the most new models.

Pride of place on its stand goes to the Royale, represented by two saloons and a coupe all finished in Vauxhall's new metallic paint. They all have the same mechanical running gear including the six-cylinder GMdesigned petrol engine of 2785cc (170cuin) and the GM Strasbourg automatic transmission.

A manual gearbox is available as an option at no extra cost. Suspension on the Royale is by McPherson strut at the front and independent to the rear.

The second of Vauxhall's new models, the Carlton, appears in saloon and estate car form with three of the former and one of the lar.cr_. They all use the established two-litre (122cuin) engine that's employed in the top Cavalier models.

Four-speed synchromesh transmission is standard fitment on Cantons, but again the Strasbourg automatic transmission can be specified. The Carlton has the familiar Vauxhall droop-snoot front with faired in headlamps and bears a strong family resemblance to other Vauxhalls, notably the Cavalier.

Inside Carltens are finished to a luxury level including velour upholstery. Standard equipment is a push-button radio, height adjustable driver's seat and simulated wood facia.

Third of. the new cars from Vauxhall is the Sportshatch in 1600cc form for the NEC. It shares the same mechanics as the Vauxhall Cavalier G LS coupe which is also on show. Other Cavaliers on the stand are two L. saloons and a GL.

A version of almost every Chevette available, from the cheapest E through to the GL hatchback is on show. For 1979 GLs have received an uprated specification which includes sports type road wheels, matt black rear panel, centre dash console and other detail trim changes. Completing the Vauxhall line up of 21 cars is the HS 2300 rally car.

485

Toyota (GB) Ltd, 320 Purley Way, Croydon, Surrey THE Toyota Starlet, in both three and five-door versions, is one of 11 cars displayed on this stand. Both Starlets, small luxury hatchbacks, have the same 993cc four-cylinder engine driving the rear wheel via a four-speed synchromesh gearbox.

Two standard Corollas, a 30 three-door and a five-door estate, are featured too. These have a 1.2-litre power unit, McPherson strut front suspension and front disc brakes. A competitor for Ford's Capri, the Corolla lift-back 1600, with more luxurious equipment than the standard models completes this model's line-up.

The Carina is exhibited as an automatic saloon and a manual estate car. Both have 1588cc, ur-cylinder engines deveDing 56kW (75bhp). Suspen)n is by coil springs all round. Celicas are represented by a 300ST coupe and a 2000XT [-back. The 2000XT has air nditioning as standard and a )68cc engine. The smaller :lice has the familiar 1588cc lit.

Among the more up-market .yotas are a Cressida saloon th a 1968cc engine again 3turing McPherson strut front ispension and a 2.6-litre own Super saloon. This latter is electric windows, air conhoning and air purification. It io has radio/cassette player.

87

)lski Car Imports (GB) Ltd, mgfield Road, North Farm dustrial Estate, Tunbridge 'ells, Kent NEWCOMER to Britain aking its first showing at the EC is the Polonez, which though using the same retail rtlets as Polski Fiat is being arketed separately.

The Polonez is built in Warwand is a completely original :sign. Featuring the 1481cc iv four-cylinder engine the )Ionez is a five-door hatchback hich looks very modern in:ed. It has black bumpers and black side body moulding and ; price at just under £3,000 Its it firmly in the running in e middle section of the merit, Polski Fiat itself has two verons of the well established 25 on display, a saloon and ;tate car. These offer tremenaus value for money, but yling and mechanics are to say e least dated. Both feature the 1481cc overhead valve engine and are equipped with disc brakes all round.

There are no examples of the newly announced 125 pick-up to be seen, however.

489

Renault Ltd, Western Avenue, London W3 WITH 16 cars on show, representing its full range from the 4TL through to the 30TS Renault is making a determined push into the fleet car market as well as private motorist sales.

New to the NEC stand is the Renault 5 automatic which is a three-door with a capacity of 1289cc (78.6cuin), and electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Probably more significant than this, though is the introduction to the UK — early next year — of the 18, a three-box saloon. The model on show is an 18GTS. This has a capacity of 1647cc (100.5cuin), front wheel drive and has the choice of three speed automatic or five speed manual transmission.

Another newcomer this year is the 14GTL which is technically the same as the 14TL but which has a more luxurious interior. It shares the 14TL's 1218cc (74cuin) power unit transversely mounted and driving the front wheels.

Many established models are on show by Renault too including a 4TL, two 5s, a 8GTL and a TS, a 12 saloon and IL estate. The 14GTL is alongside a 14TL and there are also examples of the 16a TXand the 17 (a TS). Two 20s, a TL and a TS displayed with a 30TS automatic. The 20TS is Renault's contender for the fiercely competitive two-litre sector of the market. It features a 1995cc (122cuin) power unit and is a five-door hatchback. For 1979 it has had minor revisions including a ten-bladed fan, rear fog lamps as standard and intermittent wipe. Cloth seats are standard as are bronze tinted windows.

The top model of Renault's range, the 3015 features the "group" V6 engine which has a capacity of 2664cc (162cuin)..

491

Volkswagen Audi GB Ltd, Volkswagen House, Brighton Road, Purley, Surrey TWO NEW MODELS have pride' of place on the VW-Audi stand.

These are the Audi 80 and the Audi 1005S. The new Audi 80 offers more interior room and is in the executive sector.

Second of the new cars, the' Audi 1005S is the carburetter version of the Audi five-cylinder engine.

Four other Audi models, including the 100 Avant GL5S, make up the Audi display. The Avant is the five-door hatchback designed to compete with such cars as the Rover.

Two other 100s a GL5S and 100CD — both Saloons — are to be seen and the Audi line-up is completed by an 80GLS four door saloon. .

On the Volkswagen side there are two Polos one of which is the more luxurious and better equipped GLS which replaces the 1100cc (67cuin) Polo LS. It features cloth velour' upholstery, quartz clock and. other extras.

The second Polo is the model which with the L are the three to go on sale in Britain next year, With a clear eye to mopping up some of the conventional three-box small car market VW has the Derby in two guises, the LS and GLS.

For those requiring a hatchback small car, the established Golf range is also represented by two vehicles. The interesting ID which features one of the. smallest diesels around is one of these. It is shown in five-door. form while the GLS petrol alongside is a three-door.. Passats, one five-door LS estate and one GLS five-door hatchback are also featured.

Completing VW's side is. a Scirroco GLS three-door coupe.. This will be supplemented next

492

Fiat Motor .Co (UK) Ltd, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex .

FIAT does duke well for an importer in fleet car sales.

Its Mirafiori is probably the most popular in this section of the market and this year the company has introduced a Sport version. complete with matt black exterior trim, a front spoiler and flared wheel arches. Inside the Sport has predominantly' black trim with upholstery in a soft pile, crushed velvet type material.

Mechanically the Mirafiori Sport has the same basic layout as its less potent brothers, with McPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle. Power, comes from an engine similar to the 132 two-litre, though 'output has been raised to 86kVV (115bhp) from 83.6kVV (112bhp). Fiat's five-speed: gearbox is used, but a new remote control linkage is said to give faster more positive changes and a shorter throw. Top is an overdrive gear.

Another Sport model is also.: on display among the 17 Fiat areexhibiting. This time it's the 127 which has received the'. attention. Like its larger, stable-, mate,the 1.27 Sport also has the matt black treatment, a front spoiler and more power Indeed. the 127 has a 40 per cent in-, crease in engine output over the biggest existing model, the 1050CL, putting out 52..2kW .(70bhp).

'Other Fiats in the line-up are two other versions of the 127, two 128s, a 1300CL and an estate and the Ritmo which is shown in three forms, all lefthand drive. The Ritmo won't be introduced to the UK market for four to five months.

. Mirafiori,, apart from the Sport, are represented by the Supermiration and the Mirafiori 1600CL saloon and estate. To of the range, the 132 two-litre, is on display in automatic form complete with factory fitted sunroof, electrically operated front windows and slide-away', sun' visors.

Finally, Fiat is exhibiting two.'• examples of the X19 sports car .