COST OF SPEED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1939, Page 16

COST OF SPEED.

PRACTICAL RESULTS. ROAD DEMONSTRATION. Petrol consumption figures of great interest were obtained with three representative family saloon cars, run over 200 miles on the Great North Road, London, to York.

Tlie cars were medium powered British models, and the object of the test was to see to what extent, given an economical car, the petrol consumption depended upon the method of driving. Thus while one car was driven at an average speed of 35 m.p.h.. the others covered the route at less usual averages of 2"> m.p.h. and 40 m.p.h. respectively. To ensure strictly fair conditions, each car's tank was drained and refilled by means of Government stamped measures prior to the test, and on concluding the run the remaining petrol was drained arid again measured accurately. The results were:— Average speed. Petrol oonsumptloo. 40.04 m.p.h. 22.80 m.p.g. "4.60 m.p.h. 32.02 m.p.g. 25.18 m.p.h. 38.06 m.p.g. These figures, in addition to revealing the economy of the present mediumsized ear, indicate very vividly how much this economy depends on the driving.

It will be seen, for instance, that driving "nil out" means a loss of 10 miles per gallon as compared with the fuel consumption to be expected with a normal main road average, and that yet another five to six miles per gallon enn be saved if desired.

,' n otlior words, the petrol consumption of an average car may differ as much as 15 to 10 miles per gallon in accordance with how it is driven. As few motorists realise what speed cost# in terms of m.p.g, the results of thc9€ tests on a normal main road may be enlightening.

slightest, thanks to the adjustable drivers' seat. There is ample tearoom for the rear seat passengers under the front seats. Absence of feet-wells is a good feature. The indtrument panel, which is easily vieible owing to its forward position, has a useful parcel tray underneath it, extending right across the front. To get a better rake on the steering column the steering mechanism has been carried forward of the wheel*. .Is a Lively Performtr. A driver new to the car immediately appreciates its remarkable acceleration and easy gear-changing, synchro-mesh being employed on the three forward speeds. Once into top, the car spins along beautifully, its engine maintaining high speeds, or tackling nasty hills without the slightest fuss, while its independent front-springing and hydraulic shock-absorbers make light work of the roughest roads. The frame is underslung at the rear, and suspension is by means of semi-elliptic leaf springs.

To conclude, mention of the fittings is worth while, particular care having been put into these. There is a special spring-loaded filler cap. self-cancelling direction indicators, stiff mud-flaps nn the front wings, and many other small but much-appreciated accessories. The de luxe model also ha« a flush-fitting sunshine roof.