Sierra luxury waggons value for money

Press, 26 July 1984, Page 31

Sierra luxury waggons value for money

By

PETER GREENSLADE

The price of Ford Sierra station waggons will rise 4 per cent on August 1 and although that hike will be followed by another bigger increase when the effects of devaluation begin to filter through the economy, the August 1 rise will not lift the Ghia luxury versions out of the value-for-money category. The Ghia manual and automatic waggons were launched at 824,750 and $25,350, respectively, and they are most attractive packages. A 12-function trip computer, power-assisted steering, power-operated windows, self-levelling shock absorbers, centralised door locking, a flush-fitted glazed sunshine roof with blind, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and an adjustable roof rack are some of the more prominent features. Already considerable waiting lists have built up for the basic Sierra L, of which 225 examples were sold in May, and it seems

certain that the Ghia versions will attract a heavy demand, based purely on the success of the basic waggon. Having driven the fivespeed manual and automatic Ghia versions in Auckland at the press launch in June, I knew what to expect when I had the opportunity to try the automatic waggon over a more extended period in Christchurch recently and I was not disappointed. Earlier impressions of the very good handling, roadholding and performance characteristics were confirmed and strengthened. By far the most impressive feature of this 2-litre waggon is its effortless performance on hilly roads. The automatic transmission appears to have been calibrated very well indeed, and the choice of ratios is a happy one. Unlike so many

2000 cu cm four-cylinder automatic cars, this one is not a fussy performer and the driver does not have to suffer the irritation of having the gearbox continually “hunting” for an appropriate ratio in hilly terrain. The changes, when they do occur,' are exceptionally smooth and the gearbox does not seem to drain off an inordinate amount of power. These Sierras are gaining acceptance among people who have not previously contemplated owning station waggons, probably because they are good looking vehicles and also, unlike the majority of waggons, they do not act like sound shells, amplifying every extraneous noise. The Sierra’s aerodynamics have not, however, entirely eliminated the shortcoming of all waggons — a build-up of dirt or dust

on the rear window. However, it must be admitted that the build-up is not quite as great as that encountered in most waggons.

There is a centrally pivoted wiper which, with the help of the washer, clears a segment of the window to afford quite a wide field of rearward vision. The washwipe facility on the waggon under test was, however, sometimes a little temperamental as was the remote control for unlocking the tailgate. These were but minor irritations which would be eliminated at the first post-delivery check. All in all, the Sierra, is a well designed and appointed vehicle, the upholstery and trim being of much better than average quality and it would not be entirely surprising if . well-kept examples sold at a premium in the used vehicle market, at least in the meantime or until demand for new examples diminishes to some extent.