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O n f ln r ik
MARK SUTCLIFFE takes a close look at Daihatsu’s latest offerings in the fast-ex panding four-wheel drive market
and well appointed, boasting all the creature comforts of executive saloons.
vehicles were associated with agricultural behemoths which would transport you up the side of a house but handled like buses on the road. With four-wheel drive becoming increas ingly popular however, the latest generation of off-roaders are a world apart from their somewhat primitive for bears. Sportrak and Fourtrak are no exception. While still looking purposeful, both vehicles are stylish
asts could be forgiven for scepticism about the Sportrak’s off-road ability. Their fears are soon allayed, for when the
from a family saloon, save for the higher driving posi tion, affording a commanding view of your surroundings. It is undoubtedly nippy, responding well when you put your foot down and comfortably attaining speeds of 90m.p.h. or more. Handling and roadholding are equally competent, the low centre of gravity giving tenacious grip and very little body roll on the comers. With such polite road manners, serious off-road enthusi
are powered by modern 1.6 litre 16-valve fuel-injected engines. All models have soft or targa top options which are easily removed for open air exhilaration. On the road, the Sportrak is difficult to distinguish
The Sportrak range has three models, all of which
seems inexorable. Rutted tracks and precipitous gradients are tackled with aplomb. Liquified mud and bumper-deep water splashes present no problem. Treacherous precipices are tackled with the balance and poise of a mountain goat. The Sportrak really feels as if it can go anywhere. The same is true of the Fourtrak, the larger of the
going gets tough, the Sportrak gets going. With four wheel drive engaged in “low" range, progress
spirated 2.8 litre diesel engines, the Fourtrak demonstrates similarly-refined road-going characteristics to it’s smaller
two vehicles, and more obviously targetted at the off-road market. The seven model line-up should however, cater for most people’s needs. Powered by a range of turbocharged and normally-a
with the Sportrak being the first four-wheel drive leisure vehicle in the UK to be equipped with an environmentally- friendly catalytic converter to reduce exhaust emissions.
value for money; the Sportrak range starts at £10,515, and Fourtraks are available from £12,605. Specifications are very high throughout the model range,
at it with the minimum of fuss. The most intimidating of slopes, rain-swollen streams and seemingly impenetrable quagmires are irrelevant obstacles to the Daihatsu’s progress. The prices of such capable performers represent real
sister. The turbo variants are obviously quicker, but the non-turbo units also deliver impressive performance. Off-road the Fourtrak tackles just about anything thrown
FLEXIBILITY is what springs to mind when consid ering the latest incarnations of Daihatsu’s Fourtrak and Sportrak off-roaders. Until relatively recently, off-road or four-wheel drive
•COME AND SEE THE NEW FOURTRAK* AND SPORTRAK
The new Daihatsu Fourtrak and Sportrak Estate range •
Available with Turbo Diesel Intercooler for increased power and torque • Improved suspension • Automatic locking
free-wheeling front hubs • Power steering • Electric windows
and mirrors • Central locking • Three year unlimited mileage warranty
Call fo r a test drive
For tough customers
7*1 s r * i* = i iJ Parker Lane • Burnley
T e l : ( 0282) 5 8 9 3 8 /3 8 6 4 6 (Next to Police Station)
Osaka: Japan'
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