Holden Gemini

Press, 7 January 1982, Page 16

Holden Gemini

By THEO VAN DONGEN According to General Motors, New Zealand, Ltd, the Holden Gemini is “laying the groundwork,” preparing the market for acceptance later this year of the Holden “J” car.

The Gemini is a four-door, four-cylinder 1.6 litre vehicle available in sedan, waggon, and van form. The engine and body is Japanese (Isuzu), and the rest of the components are largely Australian.

The SL/X sedan differs from the basic model, the TE, by having a heated rear window, a laminated windscreen, body protection mouldings, more luxurious seat trim, an inside boot release, and front headrests.

The standard Gemini is 510,395, the SL/X four-speed $10,995, and the SL/X fivespeed 511,245. Recently I had the opportunity to drive a five-speed SL/X for a few days. The Gemini proved a bit cramped. Legroom throughout is not the best if you are six feet or taller. But seat comfort and general visibility were good. I especially liked the

easily adjustable driver’s door mirror — moved by a toggle from inside the car. The tinted band across the top of the windscreen proved very effective in reducing glare. The controls fell easily to hand, especially the forwardmounted gear-change lever, which had a very positive feel. Perhaps the heater controls were set a little too low and suffered from lack of illumination at night, but the heater and fan worked well enough. The boot was exceptionally deep, but became a “black hole” at night because of no boot light. On the road the Gemini had as sure-footed a feel as any car I have driven, and cornered magnificently. Braking and ride, too, were excellent.

Hills were no problem for the 1.6 litre single overhead camshaft engine.

Fuel consumption (town, highway and hill driving) was 11.67 km a litre (or 33 m.p.g.). Overall the Gemini impressed as a sound and lively performer. (Test car from General Motors), •