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Page 16, Whitby Free Press, Wednesday, March 24, 1993 W? ~E ~ ~ i '94 Sonomna is 'best-f Iooking of the bunch' IIy Glen Konorowski The wait is over. Generai Motorspreviewed the new 1994 GMC Sonoma/Chevy S.-10 at the Toronto International Auto Show. I'd say this new gaixeration of GM's sînali truck is the beat looking of the bunch. The smooth and softeaed lines of the new truck are a treat to bahold. Bath the faur-wheel drive and the two-wheel drive versions suit the shape of the truck, un- like some Japanese pickups.- As you might suspect, the truck is only slightly biggar t han its predecessor. The Weight is Up, probably due ta upgrades in safety features. Oaa unique design feature of the truck is the cab. To increase srpace the cab is extended slightly at box height behind the door. I was told by GM engineers that this srnail increasa makes a world of différence ta interior space. Inside yau wiil fiad a very modern-looking dach, unlike aaything from past trucks. While the other truck-makers ara goiag towards a car-like dash, G M has decided ta go their own way. Oaly time will tell haw wali it is accepted by the public. The suspension and frame are carryovers from the aid model. Some bracing on the frames is about the on y change ta the new model. There wiil be three choices of angines for the new modei. The base engine will be a 2.2-litre iie four-cyiider adapted frorn the Cavalier. But the reai excite- ment cornes from the two choices of 4.3-litre V6s ollbred. The base V6 gets 165 hp. and 235 ib./ft. of tar-que. The optionai V6 gets a whopping 195 hp. aad 260 lb./ft. of tor-que, which means 2lenty of puiiing power and driv- ing exciternt. You can expect ta cee the Scnonia/S-10, inciuding an extended cab version, sometime in September of thiis year. People buying or seliing a used vehicle in Ontario can now purchasa a Used Vehicle Information Package. The computer-generated package, that became available la February, features valuable information about a vehicle's registration history, outstan ding liens aad range of values as iisted in the Canadian lRed Book. "The information is essential in helping consumers make informed decisians," says Bob Pierce, registrar of Ontario's Motar Vehicie Deaiers' Act. "And by putting it ta)gether la one package, we've impi'aveu customer service -- ofilering coasurners anc-stop shopping for used vehicle information." The Used Vehicle Information Package, that aise, inciudes a useful brochure entitled ' Buying and Seiiing a Used Vehicie in Ontario,' is available by cailing the Miaistry ai' Consumer and Commercial Reations at 1-800-267-P847 ((416) 325-8847 la Toront'). The cost is $20. After May 3, the package will also be sold at mare than 300 Ministry of Transportation driver and vehici'; licence issuing offices across the province. by JiI Mclntosh Take precautions If you were in Durham Region on the weekend of March 13 (and not lazing on corne Malibu beach, where I shouid have been) yau probabiy spent yaur time listening to the wind threatening to, biow off your roof and watching the saow pile higher and higher ia yaui driveway. (At ieast I had the sense ta stay inside. My husbaad weat with corne friends to Buffalo that weekend and they had to borrow shoveis ta dig out around their car just ta open the doors.) I had to go ta Mississauga on Sunday and, as I drove aiong the 401, pushed by the winds and trying ta peer through my streaked windshield since I'd rua out of washer fluid, 1 reaiized how few of us reaiiy prepare for the worst when we get inta aur warmn cars for winter driving. Spring is hopefully just around the corner, but don't drap the convertible top just yet. Take these precautions whenever yau go out. 0 Make sure your taii-iights are clvar of snow. Clean them reguiariy; thiey're difficuit ta, see if they're coated with sait. 9 Clean your headiights and keep them con when wvinter gare makes it tough ta cee 'other traffic. 0 Make sure your tailpipe isn't buried in a snowbank when you're sitting with the car idiing. Deadly carbon monaxide could build up inside the car. 0 Keep your gas tai)k full. You could run out if you get caught in a traffic jam or bad weather. 0 There's always a pacsibility you'Il have ta, walk or push, se keep spare glaves and hats ia the car. Women who wear high- heeled boots might consider throwing a pair of flat-heeled anes inta the trunk, just la case. 0 Keep a bottie of washer fluid in the car. You can rua out of it much faster than you think. a Keep somne sand in the trunk, or pieces of old carpet, ta use for traction if you get stuck on ice. Once winter's over, yau chould protect your investment by giving your car corne past-season attention. Sait is very harmful, especially if yau bring your snow-covered car into a warm garage where tie rneiting aiiows sait ta work its way in. Wash your car thoroughiy, iacluding the underside and wheel wells, and vacuum the rugs ta get al of the sait aad dirt out. Consider a professional car- cleaning service (in Whitby, S & F Auto Cleaning at 666-1195 or 668-5562)-to get the last of winter out of the way. Earý, spring is aiso a gaod time ta, change your oil, and most deaierships ai'rr 9seasenal inspections' that wili iocate any probiems brought on by hard winter driving. Then sit back and enjay corne ciassic summer cruising, and remember, only six more months and we're right back inta the snow again. Following too closely? NU We al1 fly you back f rom Vancouver for $199 OWASCO VOLKSWAGEN iNC._ Expenience the Owasco Feeling. Pven ta serv'e y ou besi since 1972. cAC An »I Care& and CAA award winner.8 Sales, service, leasing. body shop. ail makes. SReniais in Canada, USA and Europe, overseas dehivery. i >14P.Cf Mindas St. F-Whithv L 40 686-610 or 1 -800-263-2676 TOP DOLLAR FOR VOUR TRADE! EAST FROM DOVVNTOWN TORONTO Used vehicle information packages now available Thanks! Special 0f The Week OWO! On e Way Motor Home Rentai to Vancouver $199llMay $ I 9 rentai department for details>-- *WSC 1 r