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C8 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, October 13, 1999 Daimler Chrysler's retooled compact comes of age B y M a lc o lm G u n n SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Space with grace aptly describes the new Neon, which first hit the market earlier this year as DaimlerChrysler's first 2000 entry. Beginning with its arrival back in 1994, the Neon has earned numerous accolades for being one of the biggest and quickest small cars around. As the junior member of Chrysler's cab-forward family, the Neon initially served up generous helpings of interior space. But the major bonus for buyers resided just ahead of the passenger compartment, 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-tumble racer to a more elegant and refined commuter. DaimlerChrysler'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 related. Wheelbase 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 full-frame doors are more rigid than the older car's, which pre­ vents wind and road noise from invad­ ing the cabin. On the technical side, stopping power has been upgraded with thicker, ventilated front rotors. Building a new image for the Neon has meant dropping some of the origi­ nal car's hardware, at least for now. The 2000 car is only available in a single, four-door sedan configuration -- we bid a fond farewell to the neat­ looking coupe. Also dropped from the lineup is the 2.0-litre 150-horse DOHC motor that earned the Neon cult status as a true tarmac terror. These days, the only engine available is the still-quick- enough 2.0-litre SOHC 132-horsepow­ er four cylinder that carries over from the previous model. Transmission choices consist of a five-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic. The manual gearbox now has new second and fourth-gear ratios which Chrysler says improves responsiveness and fuel economy. All Chrysler Neons arrive dressed- up with a number of features such as air conditioning, a six-speaker 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 steering wheel and shift knob and 15-inch wheels. Neon options include ABS with four-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, 15-inch alloy wheels and an instru­ ment-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 actu­ al size. The bodywork also serves to convey a look of confidence and maturity that was not as keenly felt in the original car. The new Neon should prove to be another bright light for DaimlerChrysler. SPEC SHEET 2000 Chrysler Neon ★ Four-door compact sedan, available in LE, or ES versions. ★ 2.0-litre SOHC flour-cylinder engine produces 132 horsepower. ★ Five-speed manual, or optional three-speed automatic transmis­ sion. ★ Crisp, new styling. ★ Category-leading horsepower rating. ★ One of the roomiest cars in its class. ★ Base P rice : $18,900 k _ _ i f I P I m \\ YOUR CHOICE $ODOWN B l U E B a i *607" $2500 DOWNMM $53110 2000 GRAND CHEROKEE The ultimate Jeep that combines comfort in a stylish package. $3500 DOWN Fully loaded, 26Kpkg., leather interior, AM/FM/cassette/CD, $C A A 49 power sunroof, memory setting & more. 9 U I T YOUR CHOICE $ODOWN $ 3 4 9 3 4 $2500 DOWN $275" $3500 DOWN *246" YOUR CHOICE $0D 0W N > $562n $2500 DOWN $48559 $3500 DOWN $ 4 5 4 9 7 2000 DODGE CARAVAN V 6 ,7 passenger, power windows & lo d e , tilt, cruise, Fully loaded SLT Plus with /passenger seating, rear air conditioning, 4.7L V8, leather seats, CD player, ABS brakes, & much more.most versatile minivan LEASES BASED ON 20,400 KMS/YEAR, PLUS TAXES, LICENSE, FREIGHT & ADMINISTRATION. The place Ml to lease or buv 1 3esa» fan*.y s j n c c j 9 f t ] G lenleven Chrysler C H R Y S L E R • D O D G E • J F. E P 2388 R o y a l W i n d s o r D r ., O a k v i l l e 9 0 5 - 845-7575 \ Fo rd Dr ive l o m Royal Windsor Dr. i Ch urc hil l B lvd .^ 1 ■ ■ i i i r. So uth do wn R d. By Malcolm Gunn __ if I PI m \\ YOUR CHOICE $ODOWN MM $53110 The ultimate Jeep that combines comfort in a stylish package. $3500 DOWN Fully loaded, 26Kpkg., leather interior, AM/FM/cassette/CD, $CAA49 power sunroof, memory setting & more. 9UIT YOUR CHOICE $ODOWN $2500 DOWN YOUR CHOICE $0D0WN $2500 DOWN $48559 $3500 DOWN V6,7 passenger, power windows & lode, tilt, cruise, Fully loaded SLT Plus with /passenger seating, rear air conditioning, 4.7L V8, leather seats, CD player, ABS brakes, & much more. most versatile minivan i