ones. Power steering is standard on the turbocharged diesel, for which there is also the option of anti-lock brakes.

Although a wide range of options is listed, the model palette has been simplified by offering just two levels of trim: standard, and Digit. For the

turbo diesel – which is evidently regarded as top of the range in Italy,

Сtric front window lifts, central door and tailgate locking, halogen headlamps, and two-tone horn. All versions can have an optional sliding sunroof (electric on Digit), and headlamps wash/wipe (Digit only). Air conditioning is also offered for all Digit models except the 1100.

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where diesel cars are so popular – and for the 1580 c.c. petrol model, only

the Digit trim is available. Features of the Digit specification include the controversial one of digital instrumentation. Other Digit features are elec-

иThe rear seats fold flat for extra luggage space, after first tipping the cushion forward: but a divided rear seat is provided only as an option, available for any model. Perhaps Fiat questions how often this feature really is needed and used.

A new approach to interior design is taken in the fitting of most minor controls on the two column-mounted stalks. Such switches as rear fog lamps, rear wiper and washer, heated rear window, and the four-stage wiper switch, are all on the stalks. Fiat says this gives the advantages that everything can be reached with the driver’s hands still holding the steering wheel, and that it eliminates unsightly blanks for switches not fitted on a standard model.

PEUGEOT 405

“We will be top of the diesel market in Britain,” predict Peugeot managers, on adding two diesels to their 405 fleet-car range. The indirectinjection four-cylinder diesel engines are a normally aspirated 1.9-litre developing 69 h.p. at 4.600 r.p.m. and a turbocharged 1.8-litre (1779 с.с.) engine with intercooling delivering 89 h.p. at 4.300 r.p.m.

The obvious question is: "Why not turbocharge the 1.9-litre?". The not very convincing answer is that there is not room under the bonnet to

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get rid of the heat, with the larger engine in turbo form. More likely to do with firing stresses, piston temperatures and water-jacket volume.

Both new diesels are notable for their smoothness and quietness, to such extent that one is little aware, when driving, that a diesel engine is under the bonnet, beyond the usual limitations of power and response. The

С1.9-litre performs quite well, and is able to cruise at around 85 m. p. h. in

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relaxed style; but shortcomings remain in top-end acceleration and hill climbing, which are relieved by the more powerful turbocharged version. For a 1.8-litre diesel this big car performs well, and delay in turbo response is short enough to be no hindrance.

The 1.9-litre non-turbo is derived from the existing Peugeot XUD9 unit, and identified as ХUD9A with revised aluminium cylinder head with ram-pipe induction to obtain more oxygen at the higher speeds. Power is

Apart from announcing the diesel 405 models, Peugeot is also introducing an automatic transmission option that is basically Z.F.

Apart from very expensive models such as Mercedes-Benz and the Rover 2.7, it is one of the most impressive automatics – responsive, wellchosen change points and smooth action. In addition, there is torque converter lock-up to give fuel and noise savings when cruising in fourth, and partial lock-up (60 per cent mechanical drive) in third.

Automatic becomes available for the 1.9-litre carburetted engine in a few weeks time, and with fuel-injection petrol engines from mid-August.

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An interesting refinement of the transmission, which helps to avoid the sluggishness of many automatics is that it changes down from fourth to third on deceleration at about 30 m.p.h., and goes to lower gears as required ready for snappy acceleration. The top speed is 114 m.p.h. for the

haveиbecome leading innovators. Mazda's new small car, the 121, reflects the philosophical change. Although the main concept of a small car with transverse engine and front-wheel drive is conventional enough in modern terms, a detailed look reveals fresh slants on old problems. Unusual is the combination of electric action with a sliding framed-canvas type of sunroof, which is offered as an extra at £700. This provides a huge opening almost Citroen 2CV style, yet by using modern aerodynamics it has been possible to provide a car that can be driven fully open without wind buffeting.

GermanбАmaterial is used for the folding roof, which is laminated with a p.v.c. layer for elasticity, andДhas a triple sealing joint between the frame and the sun-top material. The sliding action stops at any point when the operating switch is released.

If the sun top is ordered, the radio/cassette unit fitted as standard will automatically be of lift-out type so that it can be stored away from the car and not be an inducement for thieves to slash the roof open.

To reduce internal friction, the engine hasИthinner piston rings, slim valve stems, small rocker shafts, a lightened flywheel, and a trochoidalgeared oil pump driven directly off the crankshaft.

The power unit is the Mazda B-Series four-cylinder with single overhead camshaft and small combustion chambers that are said to give better thermal efficiency. Tournament-type intake manifold tracts achieve a more

even mixture distribution.

Many designers fit a warning light to remind the driver that the choke has been left open after a cold start. Mazda goes one better than this, and fits a magnetic choke, which cancels automatically as soon as it is no longer needed.

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To make the rear suspension compact, Mazda has used a torsionbeam axle with trailing arms – a cheap means of providing lateral rigidity and combining anti-roll properties (an arrangement first made popular by Volkswagen).

To afford more flexibility in interior accommodation, the backseat is

Сmounted on runners like the front ones. If only children are being carried in

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the back, a lever is raised to allow the seat to slide forward about four inches, making extra space available for luggage.

In addition, there is the usual provision for the backrest to drop on theиsquab for extra load space. It is divided centrally, although the cushion is in one piece. When the rear compartment is unoccupied, the seat can be folded together scissors fashion, and tipped forward to the vertical giving huge extra luggage space.

ManyбАcars can match that, but few have the Mazda's clever facility for both front and rear backrests to fold flat, with headrests removed, making a passable emergency bed.

Poor features of the new small Mazda are the rather thin upholstery used for the seats, tending to become uncomfortable on quite short journeys, and the rather obscure instrument marking, in orange on black, which does not show up as well as might be expected.

With this original new baby car, Mazda hopes to capture many new, younger customers, whom they will try to retain as they graduate to bigger and more expensive cars. It will costД£6.149 in the form as tried, with 1.3- litre engine, or £5.499 as a 1.1.

Also, although it may seem extravagant use of valuable Japanese import quota to introduce a small car, Mazda has its eye on a not too distant time when the 121 will be firmly established on the market and will then become sourced from South Korea, when it willИby-pass the quota restrictions – well, as constituted at present, anyhow.

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