THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, March 1, 2000 AUTOMOTIVE ord is calling the 2001 Explorer Sport Trac the "Sw iss A rm y Knife" o f SUVs. This all-new 2001 Explorer Sport Trac is the world's first vehicle to meld the best attributes o f an SU V and an all-terrain JIM pickup truck - all in one ruggedly hand ROBINSON som e vehicle. W hen it goes on sale in the spring it will retail at $28,345 for the 4X 2 m odel and $33,345 for the 4X4. The Sport Trac is one o f the new -age four-door, pickup trucks that ladles in loads o f utility and .sting aimed at a younger crowd. "This is one brawny new vehicle with the muscle for all those tough jobs and the kind o f refined manners and quiet com fort that m ake it ideal for the daily !com m ute or a trip to the ski hills," said `Jack Turner, Ford o f Canada's Brand ^Manager for Explorer. "Sport Trac is for ^people w ho need to haul everything ·from occasional building materials for a -hom e im provem ent project to the odd m uddy trail bike... and yet would never ;ow n a pickup truck," Sport Trac is based on the 4-door ·Explorer, with the frame lengthened 362 mm (14.25 in) and m ade 40 per cent `stiffen A dded to this potent platform is a Especially tuned suspension and bigger, m eatier brakes. The added torsional stiffness - which -m akes the vehicle more agile on and off I the road - was achieved through addi tio n a l gussets on the vehicle's longitudi n a l beams, as well as several new tubu l a r cross mem bers and thicker side rail -frames. Ford engineers also achieved a reduction in unw anted road and engine vibration from reaching occupants by using urethane - rather than the typical solid rubber- body mounts, another Ford first on an SUV. Sport Trac offers a dynam ic interior, not ju st in appearance but in quality o f materials used, innovative design and Qverall attention to detail. Seating is Resigned to com fortably accom m odate ftve adults. N ew front bucket seats were created specifically for Sport Trac. - F o r the active lifestyles o f Sport Trac buyers, a rem ovable soft pack sport bag that can carry pop, snacks or CD s and be Slung over the shoulder like a duffel bag, becom es the centre floor console storage area when stow ed under the hinged cen ter armrest. - A co n trol knob for the optional Ford unveils all-terrain pickup truck F ag 2 00 0 Hyundai Accent Ford has taken its Explorer SUV and added a pickup box to crate what it calls the "Sw iss A rm y knife" o f SUVs. power rear window - another industry first - is located on the instrument panel. The window is one-touch up and down and features an anti-pinch sensor. Standard on Sport Trac is an AM /FM stereo with a single CD player and four prem ium speakers. A 290-watt AM /FM stereo with a six-disc, in-dash CD play er (late availability represents another industry segment first. Rear seat occu pants also receive independent radio controls with two headphone jacks, two cup holders and separate rear ventilation controls. Inside, the vehicle is again matched to active lifestyles. The vehicle's specifi cally designed hexagonal pattern floor covering is a washable, textured rubber, which also helps to keep the cabin qui eter. Titanium accents are featured on the door handles and console. Sport Trac's clean and purposeful, yet rugged exterior starts with an aggressive "power-dome hood" that flows into a honeycom b platinum -color grille flanked by vertical air intakes. The twotone front bum per fascia flows into new sculptured, flared front fenders. The bumper's upper portion is color-keyed to the sheet metal with the lower portion molded in a m edium titanium accent color. Integrated into openings in the bumpers are new optional fog lamps and a pair o f black tow hooks (4X4 only) that accentuate Sport Trac's athletic appearance. Available as an accessory, a step bar runs the length o f the cab. The step area o f the bar is covered with a skid-resistant coating for increased safety while enter ing or exiting the vehicle. Standard P235/75R 15 all-season radials, developed specifically for Sport Trac, are mounted on styled silver-paint ed steel wheels. Also available are fivespoke bright cast-aluminum 1 6-inch wheels shod with P255/70R16 all-ter rain tires. Ford's 4.0-litre single overhead cam (SOHC) V6 delivers 205 hp and 238 ft/lb o f torque at 3,000 rpm. Redline is at 6,250 rpm. The Sport Trac's shift-onthe-fly four-wheel drive system consists o f an electronic shift transfer case with automatic locking hubs. Engaging fourwheel-drive simply requires rotating a switch on the instrument panel. There are three settings: · 2W D for clear, dry roads enables Sport Trac to drive ju st like other rearwheel drive vehicles. · In 4W D HIGH setting. Sport Trac operates like a traditional four-wheeldrive vehicle, handling slippery surfaces at higher speeds. · 4W D LO W dials in extra pulling power for heavy snow, deep mud or rough terrain at low speeds. This mode also enhances engine braking - particu larly helpful in negotiating steep declines safely, when using the brakes could start a skid. A limited slip rear axle is available with either a 3.73 final drive ratio or a 4.10 axle ratio. The optional system pro vides better traction by limiting the power differences between the two rear wheels. All major body panels, save the roof, are fashioned from two-sided galva nized steel. Sport Trac's frame receives a new full immersion, electro-coated cor rosion-resistant primer for even better rust protection. Sport Trac's cargo box is far from just a pretty, color-coordinated add-on. It's great for handling big bulky items like refrigerators or bags of topsoil. It has tie downs galore to keep everything secure and a weather-proof l 2-volt power point ju st in case you need to run some pow er tools or shine some extra light on a job in process. The box features 10 cargo hooks - six on the outside rail and four, steel-rein forced ones on the inside o f the box each o f which can hold 317.5 kg (700 lb). A removable divider enables the box to be sectioned into two separate storage areas fore and aft for extra convenience. Sport Trac can be ordered with a hard plastic tonneau cover, lockable with the same key used to open the vehicle. Unlike soft covers, this one can't be slashed open with a knife and is hinged transversely at the centre, enabling one half to be folded onto the other from the front or rear. if you imws tip or itory id«a, call th« OskvtHe Beaver at 8 4 5 -3 8 2 4 . Hyundai puts Accent on style By Rob Beintema SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER I ort of the same but different. I was walking around the new 2000 O i Hyundai Accent, trying to get a handle on the redesign o f one o f Canada's favorite econoboxes. The lines and overall shape were familiar but the new Accent is sharper, the design more angular, more edgy, a styling nod to the trendy New Edge philosophy that's mak ing the rounds o f automotive design houses. Bye, bye jelly bean styling. The new, freshened look gives the Hyundai Accent an almost European fla vor. A look that wouldn't seem out of place speeding along an English motor way or circling the Champs Efysses. The bolder grille is bracketed by larg er halogen headlamps. Along the sides, a shoulder line sweeps from front to rear. The rear end, with a distinctive crease over the top edge o f the trunk lid, is rem iniscent o f Sonata, Hyundai's top end sedan. Even more changes have been made under the skin of the all new Accent. It's bigger. The wheelbase has been extended by 40 mm to 2440 mm and overall width is up by 50 mm to 1670mm. Hyundai engineers have also made the Accent's structure stiffer and stronger. The "A" and "B" pillars have been reinforced and stiffened with inject ed foam. The cowl crossbar has been strengthened to reduce steering vibra tion. Side sills, centre panel and roof structures have all been upgraded. The doors are now double-sealed and floor panels have been fitted with vibration absorbing material to reduce interior noise. Inside, the stretched wheelbase trans lates into more interior space. M ore headroom, more legroom and more hiproom. A surprising amount of room. The interior dimensions compare favorably with Hyundai's bigger, upscale models. In fact, although rear seating still requires some compromise from the dri ver for adequate legroom, the Accent provides more rear headroom than any other Hyundai, including the top end Sonata. The front buckets are bigger as well. High-density foam pads give firm sup port and the seats are comfortable, even after a full day o f driving. The gauge pod and dash are simply laid out and all instrum ents are w ithin easy reach. Tachometers are standard on all models. s Road Worthy HYUNDAI OF OAKVILLE 1st, Five-Time Award Winner THE HYUNDAI INTER PRICE THAW INTER SAVINGjS AT M ORE T H A N J U S T M U FF L E R S, >meineke WINTER CHECK-UP · · · · · · · · · · Lube, oil & filter 10W30 Check anti-freeze & levels Check brakes & adjust Check exhaust for leaks Check tires & front end Check all lights £ ^ /N O C Check belts & hoses · Rotate tires Service battery terminals most Check tune-up c New Car Warranty approved Expires Mar. 11 /00. COOLING SYSTEM F1.USH · Pressure test cooling system · Check heater operation & flush & fill cooling system with up to 8 litres anti-freeze. M ust p r e s e n t co u p o n . E x p ire s Mar. 11/00. s 49 / >951 M OST CARS S P E C IA L FRONT DISCS M O ST CARS $ "7 7 9 5 From / o D RUM S REAR Includes new shoes or pads, repack wheel bearings, resurface drums & rotors and inspect entire system. Metallic pads included. Must present coupon. Expires Mar. 11/00. .................TUNE^UP Includes new spark plugs, check all tune-up com ponents, set up & adjust engine, 4 service battery 4 cyl. *59.95 6 cyl. *69.95 8 cyl. *79.95 VK U 73 w som e v a n s e x t r a Must present coupon at time of estimate. Expires Mar. 11/00. 12000 ACCENT GS 3DR * Driver's side de-powered airbag |V < 5 0 / 4 0 split folding rear seat I i^Tilt steering § V A nd lols more! MUFFLER SALE From $Q 095 I I We wit: I · Change your 04 (up ta 5 lit litres ot 10W30 Quaker Installed State) & fitter · Lubricate front end r LOBE, OIL 8 FILTER k air pressure - all levels under hood - filters I | ' iFits ii a m many any u cars. iia . n Pipes, ucs, * 2 0 0 0 ELANTRA GL Dual (De-powered front airbags) AM/FM stereo cassette with 4 speakers Tilt steering A nd lots more! 2 0 0 0 A cS U T G S 3 d r MSRP from $ 1 1 ,9 9 5 PER M O N T H /4 8 MONTHS c lam p s & hang ers extra. J Must present coupon, p Expires Mar. 1 1 /0 0 . J Expires Mar. 11/00. I c a rs ' SAFTTTY CHECKS l" I I I | Ontario Government Inspection. Any work required for safety check over the value of $150 + taxes, performed by this location, safety check is no charge Must present coupon at time of purchase. Expires Mar. 11/00. LEASE fROM $ 0 U SECURITY DEPOSIT * LEASE FROM SECURITY $ 0 DEPOSIT U FREIG H T, P.D.S. included *29 NO TAX 95 m ost c IYIUOI l/HnO a rs Ot | LIGHT TRUCKS & j |ON ||| l EXHA0ST iA llllU W 1 WORK IV U I1 II I | Meineke w ill pay the taxes on m o s t cars & ,KJht truck s. W arra nty w o rk excluded.. E x p ire s M a r. 11 /0 0 . M ust present coupon at tim e of estimate. Not to be com bined w ith any other coupon. F R E IG H T , P.D.S. included LOW FINANCING H Y u n o n i D R IV IN G IS BELIEVING "5 y r /10 0 ,0 0 0 k m P o w e rtra in W a rra n ty, 3 y r/6 0 ,0 0 0 k m 2 4 -H o u r Roadside Assistance P rogram ________ UP TO 48 MONTHS ON ALL MODELS Discount Mufflers ? Quality Undercar Specialists meineke · 5 0 1 S p e e rs R d . U n i t # 2 ... *>lext to Budd's Im ported Cars) 3 ^ 2 * 9 9 7 7 (Q £ 'leasin g program available Financial Services, leasing orogram based on new 2000 Accent GS MSRP 511,995, 2000 Bontra a Sedan MSRP 514,875, N ew 2000 Sonata G l MSRP from 519,995. H 7 9 /5 2 3 9 /5 2 9 9 per month for 43 month (or aU all m o cW vO off $ m o ntt walkaway walkaway_ lease for models. O .A A .C C . downpayment o 5 0 /5 0 /5 0 , jplus J oj first monthly payment required. Security deposit (50 Accent GS, 50 for Elantra G l, 5299 for Sonata 31),-freight and P.D.S. for Accent and Elantra included. Freight and P.D.S. for Sonata extra. Taxes, license and 5350 acquisition < lis'ition le lease fee extra. 20,000km mileage allowance per year [O.fO. A ll MSRP prices exclude freight, license, P.D.S. and taxes. Financing available O.A.C. 4.8% for 48 months, 5.8% 5.! up to 60 months. Programs si e without notice. ' s T h ii of Oakville for di Oakville 4TH LINE 171 SPEERS ROAD West of 4th ih line) A M ILTO N QEW TC RONT o < 8 Accredited Test & Repair Facility 905 845-77 > 79 1 - 3 SPEERS LAKESHORE F R E E U n d e r c a r I n s p e c t i o n & E s t im a t e N a t i o n w i d e L if e t im e G u a r a n t e e s OPEN M O N . - FRI. 8 A M -6 PM SATURDAY 8 A M -4 PM m ;g M U S T P R E S E N T C O U P O N F O R A L L S P E C IA L S N O T T O BE C O M B IN E D W IT H A N Y O T H E R O F F E R HVAC controls are large, easy-to-use rotary dials. Under the hood, the A ccent still uses the familiar 1.5 L SO H C 12-valve 4cylinder engine. The engine has been smoothed out and hushed, revamped with a stiffer block, better balanced crankshaft and hydraulic engine mounts, resulting in reduced vibration and less engine noise. F urther refinem ents include a redesigned aluminum cylinder head with pentroof-style com bustion chambers, a one-piece welded exhaust manifold and catalytic converter assem bly and the addition o f a Bosch engine management system. Power num bers are unchanged how ever, at 92 hp @ 5500 rpm and 97 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm. Those numbers place the A ccent squarely in the middle of it's class, ahead o f entry level twins, Suzuki Swift and Chevy M etro but har nessing less pow er than competitors like Honda Civic and new-kid-on-the-block Toyota Echo. Yes, you can still have fun in the Accent. As much fun as I did, even in a 4-speed autom atic sedan, chasing a Tiburon, with a 50 horsepower advan tage under its hood, along a coastal high way and through the arroyos and wind ing turns o f a twisty mountain road. Actually, H yundai show ed adm irable courage ju st letting this thrasher any where near a mountain. Pushing up a slope at full throttle, the 1.5 L fourbanger just holds it own, neither acceler ating nor decelerating. A little more oom ph would com e in handy for a full load o f passengers and cargo. But for basic com muting, the H yundai A ccent has more than enough get-up-and-go to get you around town. And econoboxes are, after all, m ore about saving than speed. In that depart ment, the A ccent does not disappoint with 8.4 L/6 U 100 km (city/hwy) fuel economy ratings. The Hyundai Accent com es in two basic configurations - 3-door hatchback or 4-door sedan. The entry-level model is the 3-door A ccent GS. N ot quite a bare bones strip per, the hatchback GS offers a 5-speed manual transmission, front buckets with height-adjustable headrests, console, dual mirrors and front door map pockets. A lso standard on all Accents are rear w indow defroster, retractable dual cupholders, variable intermittent wipers, digital clock, tachometer, tinted glass and 5-way adjustable driver's seat. The GS starts at $11,995. Power steering costs $400 extra and automatic transmission is a $750 option. Custom ers can pick and choose good ies from the option list or move up a notch to the A ccent GSi. The GSi adds a long list o f extras like AM/FM/CD, rear washer/wiper, manual sun roof, power locks, fog lamps, and a selection of sporty enhancements that include a rear spoiler, sport suspension, alloy wheels, side sill moulding, white-faced gauges and leather wrap on the steering wheel and shifter knob. This is where a little more engine, as offered in previous ver sions, to match the sporty accessories, w ould be appreciated. The GSi 5-speed lists for $13,995. The m ost practical and, probably, most popular model choice is the Accent GL - the 4-door sedan. The G L com es com plete w ith pow er steering, dual airbags, A M /FM Cassette, remote m ir rors and 60/40 split folding rear seat. A $1000 package adds automatic transm is sion and pow er windows/doors/locks/mirrors. The G L starts at $13,245, about twopercent more than last year's model. Hyundai will argue that w orks out to substantially more car for the money. A nd Hyundai backs their quality claim with one of the best warranties in the biz - a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty for 3 years or 60,000 km , 5 year or 100,000 km powertrain warranty and 5 year unlimited mileage corrosion cover age. Accent owners also get no-extracharge, 24-hr roadside assistance for 3 years or 60,000 km. That includes emer gency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. Accent has been H yundai's best seller since its introduction, cornering 25% of the subcompact market. The overall fit and finish of this, the brand new Accent, its increase in size and space, the quality o f materials, the ride and handling dynamics, all show steady improvement in keeping with the evolution o f m odem custom er dem and and sophistication, even at this price level.