Front-wheel drive

Press, 22 June 1981, Page 24

Front-wheel drive

Palmer and Doaks new car showroom provides an appropriate setting for the latest model the firm is offering for sale — the Ford Laser. The Laser is the first front-wheel drive car offered by Ford and is being promoted as the "Star Car of the 'Bos." The Laser is available in 1.1 litre and 1.3 litre manual models and the luxury 1.5 Ghia Notchback with a choice of five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. An Australian, fuel consumption test resulted in the 1.3 and 1.5 litre models delivering 5.5 litres per 100 km (51.4 m.p.g.) for highway cruising and 8 litres per 100 km (35.3 m.p.g.) for city driving. This excellent economy has been achieved by the use of an overhead cam, cross flow alloy head engine, a body design which allows an efficient air flow, front wheel drive efficiency and the extensive use of highstrength lightweight materials. The engine is transversely mounted, allowing the front

bulkhead to be moved forward to increase interior space and legroom. The Laser is protected from corrosion by a process especially developed for New Zealand conditions. This includes the use of vinyl based sealants, electrophoretic zinc priming, wax injection in panels and bitumastic undersealing; The managing director, Mr John Palmer, said the Ford franchise was the most suitable for Palmer and Doak because Ford vehicles covered the whole field, from cars to light and heavy commercials to tractors. In a farming district such as Rangiora, it was important for, a motor firm to meet all the needs of customers.