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Wednesday, October 13, 1999 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER C3 AUTOMOTIVE Bold Nissan Xterra is rough and ready (Continued from page C1) from Hyundai, BMW and Kia. The lineup seems endless. What could possibly be left? When Nissan Design International decided to build a sport ute for the "back pack generation", they took their research teams to hiking, surfing and camping areas to watch people use their SUVs. To their surprise, they found most of the gen-Xers used wagons, sedans, trucks and vans -- not SUVs. But those vehicles had one thing in common. They were all festooned with an ingenious array of racks and com­ partments, covered with bungee-corded bikes and strapped down skis and surfboards. "We found a whole generation who- use their vehicles like they use a piece of sports equipment," said Jerry Hirschberg, NDI chief designer. "And," he added, "they find today's SUVs are either too expensive or lack the basic utility to meet their needs. The realization led to a starting point -- a genesis for our new Nissan Xterra." What they came up with is an unapologetic, tough-look­ ing vehicle in the spirit of the first SUVs. Its body is built on a ladder frame similar to the Frontier's and, for economy sake, also shares many of the pickup's body panels from the "A" pillar forward. But obvious visual differences include the muscle-bound, bulging front and rear fenders, the stepped rear doors and roofline and the asymmetrical rear tailgate. "The fun in this vehicle lives in the details," said Hirschberg. "It's literally designed to be a toolbox for active lifestyles." Those details include a built-in tubular aluminum roof rack that creates a sort of visual exoskeleton and provides 57 kg. (125 lb) of carrying capacity. A removable rooftop exte­ rior basket bolts to the front of the rack and can hold 14 kg (30 lbs) of wet suits, snow boots or whatever junk you don't want to dirty up the inside with. The basket's a very California idea and a funky add-on but it renders the sunroof useless. Other details include a rear 12V power point and a "back­ pack" or bulge in the tailgate that holds a first aid kit. For maximum stuff storage, the 50/50 rear seat folds down but only if you take the rear cushion out. Ceiling hooks and cargo floor tie down clips offer strap down points. Optional interior bike racks hold two bikes safely upright inside the vehicle, secure from theft and the elements. Nissan has other extras in store for the Xterra. Things like ski attachments, outer bike racks, side window deflectors, a hot/cold storage box and sporty carbon fiber trim add-ons. But let's leave the details and get back to basic function­ ality, for a second. The Nissan Xterra is powered by the 3.3 L SOHC V6, yes, the same engine as in Pathfinder, Quest and Frontier. Although several different versions of Xterra are available in the U.S. -- 4X2, 4X4 and either 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder models - our smaller market size has forced Nissan Canada to hedge their bet on a limited selection, only 4X4s with 6- cylinder engines. It's pretty well the only choice they could make. While the selection affects the bottom line, you're not missing much excitement with the 4-cylinder. Frankly, even the 170 hp V6 could use a few added ponies to push the almost 4000 lbs of Xterra along. The 5-speed manual is stan­ dard. A 4-speed automatic is optional. Both are meshed to a 2-speed 4WD transfer case that adds real bush-bashing off­ road ability. The Xterra is bigger than most of us expected it to be, not "sport-cutish", but very close to Pathfinder size. But the "back-to-basics" theme of the Xterra highlights the differ­ ences between the two. The Xterra is built on body-on-frame instead of monoframe, uses rear leaf springs instead of coil springs, rides firmer and don't expect any luxury options like wood trim, power sunroof or BOSE stereo. No leather, no refinements. This is not Pop's Pathfinder. The same theme runs inside. There's seating for five, enough room for your buds in back, although access through the rear doors is a little tight. The raised roof and theater- style seating is designed to involve your passengers in the drive. I know the grayish interior styling was meant to be utilitarian but I would have expected a little more innovation and excitement inside for a vehicle geared to the youth mar­ ket. But everything is where you expect it to be and fit and finish is up to par with plenty of storage areas spread about. Minor complaints aside, I enjoyed driving the Xterra. The eye-catching color, milking maximum revs from the V6, sliding around on gravel, throwing the long, truck-like shifter up and down, it all made for a rough and ready, almost retro driving experience. Will the Xten-a sell? Nissan Canada's 4WD V6 model selection means a bumped-up price in the $30,000 range, not exactly entry level. But that price does include non-spartan standards like air conditioning, ABS, power windows and locks, tilt steering, cruise, rear wiper, three 12V outlets and keyless entry. The 2000 Nissan Xterra. It might be just bold enough, just different enough to capture not only a new generation but a cross selection of sport utility owners who are searching for a vehicle with identity, utility and some real off-road ability. Chrysler minivans add entertainment centres Entertainment centres featuring VCRs and TV screens will be added to the Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. The Rear Seat Video entertainment systems will be offered through Mopar, DaimlerChrysler's original equip­ ment replacement parts division. The system plays VHS tapes and features an overhead 6.4-inch liquid crystal dis­ play (LCD) screen that provides superior picture quality. The VCR player fits inside a slim, specially-designed floor console that fits between the front seats or second row of seats in the quad seat mode. The console is avail­ able in four interior colors. An auxiliary input in the console accommodates a video camera, CD player and most popular home video game players including Nintendo 64 and Sony PlayStation. Wireless headphones provide separate audio channels for rear -seat passengers who may want to enjoy a video game or movie while front seat passengers listen to the sound system. The entertainment centre can also be heard by all who are on-board through the minivan's main sound system. The entertainment system goes on sale in November and will be installed on new Chrysler or Dodge minivans at the time of purchase or delivery. Mopar accessories are covered by applicable new-vehicle warranty and covered for 12 months. The option will also be made available to those who bought 1998-1999 model years Chrysler minivans. Customers interested in the system can have it fitted at Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers. ARE YOU THE GREAT DETECTIVE » w ......... s i,ooo; IN PRIZES! I « i i .V r t i l i t o DOUBLE % THE PRIZE if y o u 're % u ° ^ ' 1 *subscriber! We have hidden sl,000 worth of Great Prizes somewhere in Halton! We need a great detective to solve the clues leading to where the prizes are hidden! This Issues Clue: #7. BOOK YOUR CONNECTION NOW. We will place a clue in every issue of our newspaper. A sum m ary of all clues to date plus a BONUS clue will appear @ www.HaltonSearch.com c) We will m ake a draw each day from entries received. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner! You may enter as often as you wisn. Each week that we have not drawn a correct winner, $250 will be added to the prize! G reat D etective Entry Form The Prize location is, (Be Very Specific): The Oakville Beaver Hal to nS e art (1.f3 mc/o 467 SPEERS RD. OAKVILLE ' L6K 3S4 or Fax to: (905) 337-5568 pxpectmor^ the new fordfocus se sedan European Car Of The Year 1 9 9 9 -O' ' i 'T' the standards have just been raised $Features | Focus se sedan | Honda Civic Sedan SE Engine 2.0L SPI SOHC 1-4 1.6LSOHCI-4 <D Horsepower 110 106 (ft Torque (lb. ft.) 125 103 Automatic Transmission Included Included b Air Conditioning Standard Standard Remote Keyless Entry Standard Standard 0 Power Door Locks Standard Standard 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seats Standard Standard Dash Mounted Trunk Release Standard Not Available 0 u ____ Driver's Seat Height Adjust Standard Not Available Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer Standard Not Available i s y s. Stainless Steel Exhaust Standard Not Available0 Adjustable Steering Column Optional Standard o Cargo Volume (L)t 365 638 CD Legroom (front/rear-m m ) 1095/955 1085/8651________________________ p e r m o n th 36 month lease $ 2 ,1 9 5 d o w n p a y m e n t p lu s $ 7 0 0 f r e ig h t a n d $ 2 7 5 s e c u r ity d e p o s it w e h a ve th e r ig h t le a se p a y m e n t fo r you b a s e d o n 6 .9 % o v e r 3 6 m o n th s 2000 focus se monthly payment $229 $266 $297 down payment or equivalent trade $2,195 $995 $0 security deposit $275 $325 $350 freight $700 $700 $700 total due on signing $3,399 $2,286 $1,347 first month's payment required-SO.08/km over 60,000 km $10,101.78 optional buyback - applicable taxes, licence, insurance, pdi and administration fees extra. This chart is only a sample of the features available for each vehicle. Please see respective manufacturer's brochure for a complete list of features. www.ford.ca/offers Y O U R O N T A R IO F O R D D EA LER S. WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: ' Lease a new 2000 Focus SE Sedan, w ith automatic from Ford Credit to qualified retail lessees, on approved credit. Total lease obligat^ortTls $10,439/$10,571/$10,692. Dealer may lease for less. Some conditions apply. Offers may change w ithout notice. Limited time offers. See dealer for details. The seven organizing publications'of the European "Car of the Year 1999" award are: vi bilagere, am, autocar, I'automobile magazine, autopista, stern, autovisie. tRear seat up; to lower window. Comparison based on 2000 Honda Civic SE (MSRP $17,900, including automatic transmission) using manufacturer published information (brochure). Ontario FDA, P.O. Box 2000, Oakville. Ontario L6J 5E4 i http://www.HaltonSearch.com http://www.ford.ca/offers AUTOMOTIVE Chrysler minivans add entertainment centres DETECTIVE s i,ooo; IN PRIZES! I DOUBLE % THE PRIZE We have hidden sl,000 worth of Great Prizes somewhere in Halton! pxpectmor^