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C8 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER DaimlerChrysler compact turns new comer By M a lc o lm G u n n SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER pace with grace aptly describes the new Neon, which first hit the market earlier this year as DaimlerChrysler's first 2000 entry. Beginning with the car's arrival back in 1994, the Neon has earned numerous small-car accolades for being one of the biggest and quickest small cars around. As the jun io r m em ber of Chrysler's cab-forward family, the Neon initially served up generous helpings o f interior space. But the major bonus for buyers resided just ahead of the passenger com part ment, where both base and optional four-cylinder engines quickly gave the car pocket-rocket status. With this second-generation car, the focus shifts from rough-and-tum ble racer to a more elegant and refined commuter. D aim lerC hrysler's designers have given the 2000 Neon numerous styling cues clearly inspired by the Intrepid and Concorde full-size sedans. From the scalloped rear end to the grinning grille, there's no question to which family the Neon is S related. W heelbase and overall length have slightly increased and the Neon now sits higher off the ground, allowing for a significant 30-per cent increase in pot-hole-absorbing suspension travel. Finally, the fullframe doors are more rigid than the older car's, which prevents wind and road noise from invading the cabin. On the technical side, stopping power has been upgraded with thick er, ventilated front rotors. Building a new image for the Neon has meant dropping some of the original car's hardware, at least for now. The 2000 car is only available in a single, four-door sedan configura tion -- we bid a fond farewell to the neat-looking coupe. Also dropped from the lineup is the 2.0-litre 150horse DOHC motor that earned the Neon cult status as a true tarmac ter ror. These days, the only engine available is the still-quick-enough 2.0-litre SOHC 132-horsepower four cylinder that carries over from the previous model. Transmission choic es consist of a five-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic. The manual gearbox now has new sec ond and fourth-gear ratios which Chrysler says improves responsive ness and fuel economy. All Chrysler Neons arrive dressed-up with a number of features such as air conditioning, a six-speak er AM/FM/cassette audio system, tilt steering, full-length floor console, 60/40 split rear seat and a courtesy light for the trunk. The Neon LX adds keyless remote entry, power windows, power heated outside mirrors, tachometer, leather-wrapped steer ing wheel and shift knob and 15-inch wheels. Neon options include ABS with four-wheel disc brakes, cruise con trol, 15-inch alloy wheels and an instrument-panel-mounted four-disc CD changer. The results of the 2000 Neon's metamorphosis are impressive. The car now looks and acts bigger than its actual size. The bodywork also serves to convey a look of confi dence and maturity that was not as keenly felt in the original car. The new Neon should prove to be another bright light for DaimlerChrysler. k! m ·· S A t ··· -- -------------m ? j Wheel care can be simple Think clean tires and shiny wheels are just for show? Think again! The salt, dirt and brake dust accumulates around tires and wheels contribute to corrosion. Today's wheels come in a variety of materials and finishes so choose a wheel cleaner that dis solves brake dust and is right for your finish. If your wheels are excessively dirty, some agitation with an old paint brush may be necessary. "Using a prod uct recom m end ed for chrom e plated surfaces on wheels that are made of pol ished aluminum can cause stain ing," said Fran Lockwood, Ph.D., vice-presi dent of Technology for the Valvoline Company and a D irector of the A m e r i c a n Institute of C h e m i c a l Engineers. 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