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Just ears

But which are best for fleets? By Steve Gray

NY of the new cars on play at the NEC will appeal leet buyers, but the leader he business — Ford — has hing completely new to w.

,levertheless it has revamped Escort range with a number etail changes.

:hiefly, these consist of matt ;k radiator grilles on all but Ghia versions, which have a ame surround more in Ding, to quote Ford, "as part leir up-market image".

dl Escorts (except the RS )0) benefit from wider-offset 7mm (51n) wheels which ctively increases the track by nm (1.25in) at the front and C. This Ford says gives the cars improved roadholding a more purposeful stance. :ross-ply tyres are no longer 1, even on the Popular and e estate car, which now -e the same 155SR13 radial s as other models. Also all iels now have carpeting as idard. Popular plus models

have heated rear windows a bodyside coachline.

he L model has, as best selin the rahge, received the ;t improvements. Square 3sten headlamps, a body

protection moulding and er coloured sports road iels distinguish the L exter/ while inside houndstooth • ic trim and a perforated dlining along with better id deadening have been ad. In addition, an intermittent dscreen wiper is standard he slightly more up-market models share the same nd deadening and headrig but have diamond ern fabric trim and a MW/ radio as standard.

iesta models are largely uniged, but the engine choice for base models is between the 29.8kW (40bhp) low compression 957cc (58.4cuin) and the standard 1,117cc (68cuin) although a high compression 957cc unit will be available only on special request. On L models the low compression unit has been dropped so the choice is between 957cc high comp or the 1,117cc unit.

All Fiesta L and S models carry the rear wash/wipe facility now as standard. The S models are now fitted with a pushbutton radio but all S and Ghia versions can now be ordered with factory fitted .radio/stereo cassette players or mono radio/ stereo cassette units. The "third generation' Capris, which were introduced in March this year, are making their show debut. They too are mostly unaltered except that the Capri L has a push-button radio and the S has integral rear foglights. At the top of the range Ghia versions are equipped with a mono radio /stereo cassette player.

While Ford has nothing completely new it is replacing the Granada 2.8 iS and 2.8 iGL saloons and estates with a better equipped model, the 2.8 iGLS, This has all the features of the GL, but TRX tyres on alloy wheels and uprated S suspenl sion are used. As far as the rest of the Granadas go all GL and Ghia models will have the electro-magnetic central locking system as standard and the Ghias get halogen foglamps, headlamp washers and electrically operated rear windows, All existing Granada fitments such as sun roof, stereo radio and tinted glass ( which is now incidentally bronze rather than green) remain unchanged.

Finally, Ford's number one seller and indeed the best selling car in Britain, the Cortina is completely unchanged except for the inclusion of inertia reel belts on base models. Ford clearly believes — and certainly its customers seem to as well — that the Cortina formula is dead right.

Marinas for fleets THE only major change to BL Cars" model range is the fitting of the 0-Series power unit in 1 ,700cc form to the Marina.

This replaces the old B-Series push-rod overhead valve unit and indeed offers 4.5kW (6bhp) more tt,.,n the engine it supersedes.

By using this new engine, which has 'a cast block and aluminium cylinder head with ohc configuration BL has been able to replace the old twin carburetter option. Thus the number of Marina variants has been reduced from 13 to 11

while engines are down from three to two (the 1275cc ohy still remains on the smaller options).

Better fuel consumption fig ures are claimed for the 1700 Marinas. To reduce confusion, BL has reclassified all Marinas, and thus the smaller engined models become 1300s — either coupe saloon or estate — while the larger models are 1700 saloons or estates.

Both L and HL versions are available of the 1300, and 1700 saloons and in addition to the 1700 and 1700L estate a standard trim 1700 estate can be specified. This is aimed at fleet sales partictillarly.

Externally all the new

Marinas are distinguished by a number of detail changes. A two-piece moulded spoiler to the front — claimed to reduce life and improve cross-wind stability — is made from corrosion-proof black plastic. New bumpers, with the fronts having recessed indicator lamps, have black ABS end caps forming the wrap around ends..

On standard models black bumpers with a bright metal inset are fitted while the L and HL versions have chromed bumpers with black rubber capping bars. All versions now fea ture a radiator grille which includes built-in rectangular driving lamps.

One-piece door glasses on the front doors now allow a new, matt black door mirror to be fitted onto a small fillet at the front edge of the door. On all saloon and coupes rear fog lamps are fitted as part of the rear lamp clusters, but the estate has separate units.

All estate car versions have as standard a wash /wipe on the rear door. Colour keyed vinyl roofs are on the 1300L coupe and HL models. Finally, black hub covers are used on standard models, moulded ones are used on the L and HLs have full diameter moulded wheel trims.

Internally, the pedals have been moved forward to give 38mm (1.5in) more leg room. The seat cushions have been reshaped to give extra support. Front seats also have seat base valances and the seats on the HL are finished in velour facings. For L and HL models a fourspoke steering wheel is employed.

At last the Manna has EEC style locations for indicators, lights and wipers — that is, left column-mounting for indicators and right for the other two. Illuminated switches and heater controls, dipping interior mirror and black faced sun visors are just a few more of the internal changes.

Radios are standard on the 1700HL models, but provision for radio fitment — including factory fitted aerial, speaker and wiring — is made on the L and 1300HL models.

Princess models in the BL cars range now also features the 1 700 0-Series for the smallest engined option, while a two-litre version is also available to take advantage of that popular fleet car category. Externally the new Princesses have been changed little. Side marker flashers are now fitted to the front wings and badging is by means of transfer-type stickers. Inside there are more changes and refinements aimed at appealing to the executive side of the fleet business.

Apart from the introduction of the new engine on the Marina and Princess models BL cars have no major model changi surprises on show.

New on the Horizon

STAR of the Chrysler stand undoubtedly be the Horizo front-wheel-drive fivehatchback.

Although the Horizon been launched into Euroit markets gradually since the ginning of the year, dui which over 100,000 have t sold, it is only just on sale month in the UK.

At first only two versions, GL and GLS will be evade but there is a choice of 1,11 (68cuin) or 1,294cc (79c engines. An LS version, a, with an engine choice, wil introduced to Britain early year.

Similarly styled to the Al and the Sunbeam the Hor owes much to these vehicle other respects. The eric. layout is transverse like Alpine and the four-speed, synchromesh gearbox is sir to that of its bigger brot Independent suspension or wheels, with double wishbe and torsion bars at the front, springs and trailing arms to rear is supplemented by anti bars each end.

Chrysler says that many duction innovations, never i before by the Europ automotive industry, employed for the co nstruct i the Horizon. For example, h strength light alloys are use the floor pan, cationic a

corrosion protection vacuum filling for the brake tern.

The body is designed wi central, rigid passenger c partment and progressively lapsible front and rear secti, To further improve safety a

ible steering column, dualit brakes with a Circuit failarning light,and rear highnsity foglamps are all dard fitments.

he 1,118cc engine is dard on both LS and GL els and it produces 43.3kW hp) at 5,600rpm. Optional hese two, but standard on GLS is the 1,294cc unit ch gives 50kW (67bhp) at 0Orpm.

The Horizon features cloth ts, carpets, and the GLS dels have reclining front ts with adjustable head reints. On the plusher GL and models electric clocks are idard (a digital one being d to the GLS) and a radio is d on the GL with a radio/ ;ette on the GLS.

klthough the Horizon may appeal to fleet car buyers — fers up to 1 .113cum (42cuft) !sable space with the seats ecl down — for many people 'er a conventional layout, a Chrysler is able to offer the ibeam which also has a ice of engines, but has rear!el drive and an in-line power )ther old favourites from (sler which are to be shown de the Avenger and Alpine. lough the Avenger is cally unaltered, it, like all (sler vehicles, is available in of the newly extended colAn on-line, steel sunshine is now optional on Alpines and all GLS versions now have a vinyl roof.

Posh new models

VAUXHALL will be showing no fewer than two new model ranges and an addition to an existing one.

The new model ranges are the Carlton and Royale; the former replaces the VX and is available in four-door saloon and five-door estate versions. Aimed straight at competing with the established executive cars such as Jaguar, Rover, Granada and Mercedes the Royale range consists of a fourdoor saloon • and a very stylish coupe.

Although the Carlton and Royale are new models, they are in fact based around existing Opel designs. Unlike the Opels, though, they have the now familiar Vauxhall trademark of droop snoot with faired-in headlamps. The Carlton range uses the same two-litre (122cuin) power unit as the top Cavalier

model. Four-speed allsynchromesh transmission is fitted as standard, but there is the option of GM's Strasbourg three-speed automatic.

The Carlton is an impressive looking car with wrap around bumpers front and rear and a body side protection moulding.

Head restraints are fitted and the upholstery is in velour material. The luxurious interior is completed by comfortable,looking rear seats which have a 'central armrest which can be folded away.

Vauxhall applies an 11 stage

body protection treatment to the Carltons, similar to that which it uses on other models in its car ranges. All Carltons are to be built at Vauxhall's assembly plant at Luton and standard equipment on them includes a push-button radio, driver's seat height adiuster and simulated woodgrain facia, Extras such as a steel panel sunshine roof are also available. The Carlton estate car offers fleet buyers a payload of 583kg (11.5cwt) within a 2.17cum (76,3cuft) area.

With the Royale, Vauxhall has re-introduced six-cylinder motoring into its vehicle model range by the fitment of the GM• designed 2,784cc (170cuin) power unit. This is effectively the Cavalier 1,979cc unit with two extra pots and it has a similar high-mounted camshaft which works the valves by means of rockers and hydraulic tappets aimed at reducing noise and eliminating the need for tappet adjustment.

Standard transmission is by means of the Strasbourg threespeed automatic transmission, but a four-speed manual box is available at no extra cost. Like the Carlton, Royale models have McPherson strut suspension up front. To the rear independent suspension is also used. Power steering is another feature of the car.

A very lavishly appointed interior including deep reclining. front seats upholstered in crushed velour, full instrumentation and well-placed controls are features of the Royales. Standard fitments include sunshine roof, electrically operated windows, a radio/tape player and central door locking.

The Royale Coupe is a very good looking three-door model with an enormous rear glass area. It too will seat five, say. Vauxhall, and shares all the features of its stablemate.

Another Coupe is Vauxhall's final new vehicle at the NEC. Clearly aimed at the Capri which takes an enviable share of the fleet market, Vauxhall's Sports hatch is a three-door coupe offering 0.57cum (20.3cuft) of usable space when the seats are folded down. Two engine options are available on the Sports hatch — 1.6 or two-litre.

Both are GLS versions with the 1600 version producing 56kW (75bhp). The rear door opens to a good height and is retained thus by two gas filled struts. To hide valuable goods from prying eyes a two-section parcel shelf is fitted. This lifts clear when the door is opened by means of two self-retracting cords.

Another fleet competitor,

RENAULT has recently been making noises in the fleet car arena, particularly with its 20TS aimed at the executive market.

This is a two-litre version of its 30 series and this year will be improved by the inclusion of new front badging, intermittent windscreen wipers, bronze tinted windows and cloth seats as standard. Mechanically the only change is the introduction of a 10-bladed cooling fan while rear foglights and improved front door pockets complete the alterations.

The Renault 5 Automatic 1300 is making its debut this year. It has a 41kW (55bhp) version of the kenault 1300 power unit coupled to a brand new three-speed electronically controlled transmission developed from the Renault 12 and 30TS units. In addition the 5 Auto has wrap-round polyester bumpers, a vinyl covered roof and side protectors.

Along with the 5 Renaults 14 model is the company's best. selling car in the UK and a new addition to the market is the 14GTL. This is mechanically the same as the other 1,218cc (74.3cuin) 14s, but has velour cloth upholstery, stylised wheels, long-pile carpet, a map reading light as well as two rear compartment ashtrays.

Finally, although it won't be available here untilearly next year, Renault's 18 model is making its debut. Of normal three-box saloon car configuration, it feAtures front-wheel drive with a 1,647cc (100.5cuin) power unit and five speed manual or three-speed auto gearbox.

Electric front window's, electro-magnetic door locking, headlamp wash /wipe and reclinable front seats are just some of the standard fitments. Its engine produces 59kW (79bhp) which the maker claims gives the Renault a top speed of 162km/h (101mph).

Golf, anyone?

ALTHOUGH VW-Audi will be showing its complete range of cars, only a number will appeal to fleet buyers.

Among these is the three-box version of the VW Golf — the Derby — which is VW's chief contender in the competitive small saloon market jealously commanded by Ford with its Escort range.

Making its debut at the show is the new Audi 80, which is yet another executive class fleet car. Offering larger internal accommodation there is a choice of two 1,600cc (97.6cuin) engines, the carburetter version producing 63kW (85bhp) wFiile the fuel injected one gives out 85.8kVV (115bhp). In addition to the carburetter version of the five-cylinder Audi 100 there will also be a fuel injection model. An Avant hatchback 100 also be on display.

More from Japan

THE Japanese have never b very strong in fleet car sales most fleet buyers frown buying even continei vehicles, let alone Oriental oi Nevertheless, a numbe Japanese vehicles may al to some, more adventucompanies whose image n't need to be tied to Britain deed Europe.

onda, for example, has the ord and now the booted rd, which may well fit some pany's bill. Both models are fortable, well equipped and Id seem to be quite reliable. oyota is fielding a vast ber of cars at NEC including newly introduced Starlet 3eand five-door vehicles ich are said to be small, Jry hatchbacks with frontJnted 993cc (66.6cuin) en

gines driving the rear wheels.

Corrolla models including the Corrolla liftback are Toyota's bestselling vehicle and along with the Celica and Celica liftback are probably the most likely to suit fleet buyers.

At the top of the Toyota range is the Crown Super Saloon, which was revised in July this year. It has a 2.6-litre (159cuin) engine and its many features include automatic transmissions, power steering, electric windows and air conditioning.

Poles apart

WITH the British motor industry already under strong pressure from the Japanese importers, the last thing it needs is competition from another foreign manufacturer — especially one selling its vehicles very cheaply. But Lada is just such a manufacturer and its newly introduced 1600 saloon must appeal to some companies if only on price alone.

The 1600 is based around a proven Fiat design, the 125. However, it has a completely new 1,570cc (95.8cuin) single overhead camshaft engine built by Lade itself rather than an existing Fiat unit.

Externall-y the now ratheraging Fiat looks have been tarted up by the inclusion of hard plastic bumper ends, a smarter Fadiator grille with four headlamps and rubber overriders.

The Lada is extremely well equipped internally with• reclining seats, cloth upholstery, carpet and a heated rear window. However, its the price that is the car's strongest plus point — a mere £2,666 including inertia reel belts, delivery charges, number plates and a year's road tax.

For those seeking a slightly more up-market model there is the 1600ES, which has such extras as stereo radio/cassette player and a three-spoked sports steering wheel. This vehicle sells for £2,999.