SUITABLE MOTOR-CARS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 139, 16 June 1927, Page 8

SUITABLE MOTOR-CARS

. To. anyone who has inside, knowledge of the trend of motor-car design, it is quite apparent that.,-the present-day large, American engine will,- in.ttio near future,' be a thing of the past. American engineers quite; realise . this, and every American designer, of repute is today endeavouring to combine English high efficiency: engine advantages with existing American practice. The general road improvements throughout tHo world, including the concrete'roads- of America, are demanding •' lighter and more efficient types of vehicles, and it is certain that the-English high-effi-ciency type of engine (which by the unknowing is dubbed "unsuitable") will fast become the standard type for the whole world. . ,-.- .-..

The light, high-elficiency: car calls for the highest skill in manufacture, and the finest of materials. It is, therefore, unlikely that the costs will bo appreciably reduced for some considerable time; but the general public will benefit to a very large extent by the considerably reduced cost of maintenance and general upkeep.

The experts of the world,, including American manufacturers, admit although they may not state it publicly, that Mr. W. E. Morris has created the nearest approach to,. tjie ideal car of to-day, and.it is doubtful if any serious alterations will,be made in the Morris cars in the near future. Anyone who takes a Morris car over a prolonged test.in New Zealand is struck by the following facts:—lt will go anywhere; it will maintain an average speed equal to the highest-powered American cars, and greater than the average speed of the lower-powered American cars. Certainly on the light Morris models more gear work must be' employed;, but even on second gear the Morris, is faster on steep hills than the' .high-powered American, ears. .' ' -' ■

"One outstanding feature which quickly becomes apparent) is the extraordinary economy in operating.:the 'Morris light ear, this, being less .thaji. half the cost of operating its bigger American brother. ■ .

Economy is the keynote of motoring to-day, because it is the desire of everyone to possess a' motor; and -motoring can only be popular if .economical.

Critics may condemn various features because they are not customary;, but all great improvements have been faced at first with loud-voiced opposition, but eventually not only accepted, but championed by those very critics who first condemned. The English Morris' light car is no exception. In 1923 the total sales o£ Morris cars in Australia were 149; in 1926, 9000. Morris motors received last year from. Australia-, the largest order ever placed with a motor manufacturer, namely, g. 3,000,000 worth of motor vehicles. It is, therefore, quickly becoming apparent that the Morris has proved its position and caught on in public favour; ■•'■'•