DATSUN IS COMFORTABLE AND WELL FINISHED

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29849, 15 June 1962, Page 7

DATSUN IS COMFORTABLE AND WELL FINISHED

r FHE first models of the Datsun Bluebird to be seen in the South Island arrived at Lyttelton from Japan early this week. The Datsuns are well finished and trimmed, with two-tone paint. The bonnet is hinged at the rear, and c«pens wide to show the fourcylinder 1189 cc. engine, which is a modified version of the A4O motor, producing 60 b.h.p. at 5000 r.p.m. Under the large aircleaner is a Nikki carburettor, which has a transparent float-chamber. The distributor. which is not in a very good position for servicing, is waterfroofed by a tightfitting rubber boot, the highmounted coil being protected in a similar way. The hydraulic master cylinders for the brake and clutch are in an , accessible position, as is the battery, and the fan-belt appears easy to adjust. Interior The bench seats are neatly upholstered and the floor is covered with a heavy plastic mat. The trim is of good quality, and courtesy lights and capacious ash-trays are fitted.

The instrument panel has a speedometer graduated at 10 m.p.h. intervals, a mileage recorder but no trip meter, and gauges for water temperatures and fuel. Only lights are provided for oil pressure and generator charge. Instruments The instruments are well laid out and fairly easy to read, although the speedometer would be improved by more comprehensive calibration. The pedals are well spaced, but the dip-switch, mounted between the clutch and the brake, may be rather awkward for some persons. The flashing indicator lights are right in front of the driver, but the clicking of the unit has been eliminated. Although some overseas testers have praised this

feature it may be a mixed blessing, as the absence of audible warning may lead to the indicators being left in operation. Although the indicators are self-cancelling the mechanism does not always operate on some turns. This is a common failing with in. dicators.

The Heater Provision is made for fitting a heater, which is an extra, and locking fuel cap is provided. Fitted on the passenger side of the dash is a glove box of average size. There is provision for fitting a radio. The boot is of generous size for this type of car but has a rather high sill over which heavy loads have to be lifted. The boot is covered with a material similar to that used on the car floor itself. It also covers the spare wheel, which lies on the floor of the boot.

A very comprehensive toolkit comes with the car. It includes an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, set of spanners, jack, wheel-brace, box spanner for the spark plugs and a tyre guage. On the road the Bluebird gives a quiet ride for a small tour, and the suspension, although stiff, gives a very good ride, particularly over uneven surfaces. It also provides good cornering with negligible roll. Gears The clutch is light and smooth and the three-speed all synchromesh column gearshift Is light and positive. Although the car had done less than 50 miles it, was obvious the engine had plenty of acceleration in reserve, particularly in second gear.

The steering is light and direct, and the small lock makes parking easy. A tall driver can just see the tips of the rear wings when re. versing. The windscreen wiper clears a good area of the screen efficiently and quietly. Visibility Visibility is fair, although the windscreen pillars are a little thick, and the bonnet drops quickly out of sight. The horn has a gratrfyingly loud note and the pull-up handbrake seems efficient. On hills, the car chimbs well and quietly in second, but when Hie car is coming downhill, the brakes are heavy in operation and tiring over any distance if used frequently. The seats are comfortable, but like al! bench seats give no lateral support. With the front seat well back, there is a surprising amount of leg room in the back seat. Room Although five persons eould be carried in the Bluebird, the three back seat passengers would be too cramped for long-distance travel.

The Datsun Bluebird seems a pleasant and well-made small to medium-sized car. with good traffic manners and good handling. In many ways it would be e good car for a woman, but the brakes, at least in the model tested, would be a little heavy for a woman driver.

At £992 (a station waggon version is available for £1146) the Datsun seems fairly expensive, coming close in price to such cars as the Consul 315, Vauxhall Victor, and Volkswagen. It has, however, the advantage of being more readily available to the ordinary man.

These first Datsuns have been imported fully assembled, but they may be assembled in New eZaland later this year.