THE WOLSELEY WASP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 11 (Supplement)

THE WOLSELEY WASP

POWER AND ECONOMY ATTRACTIVE MACHINE Catering for a very definite demand on the part of many motorists for a car combining four-cylinder economy with something approaching six-cylinder performance and big-car, comfort, the Wolseley Wasp is a welcome addition to the local market. ' Providing considerably more room than is generally expected in a machine classed as a ten-four, the Wasp has ample room for four people and a fair quantity of luggage, * while three medium-sized people could probably sit in the rear seat without experiencing any discomfort.

The highest traditions of the English coachbuilder are upheld in the bodywork. Infinite attention has been paid to detail, and it is obvious, even after a cursory inspection, that the body should remain in excellent condition for years. Every spot where a squeak could possibly develop appears to have been sandwiched with rubber. The upholstering throughout is of exceptionally high quality, comparable with that found in cars twice the price.

On taking the wheel of the Wasp, the driver is immediately struck with the comfort of the machine and the convenient placing of all controls. Gearchanging is simple and silent with the four-speed synchro-mesh box and braking is beyond criticism, the famous Lockheed hydraulic system being em-

Eloyed. The model tested was stiff and ad not been run-in'. As a result, no high speeds coukl be attempted. However, at 33 miles per hour the motor ran as smoothly as many a six. At lower speeds it was much smoother running than the usual four-cylinder engine of its type. Acceleration is excellent, provided that intelligent use is made of the gears. When taken over the notoriously rough roads behind Orakei, the Wasp held the road perfectly, while the suspension was remarkable for such a small car. The reason for this can bo appreciated when it is understood that the front and rear springs are 29Jin. and 39in. long, respectively, decidedly liberal treatment for a chassis with a wheelbase of 7ft. 6in. Steering is pleasantly responsive without any of the disconcerting lightness sometimes encountered in medium size cars. According to the catalogue, the petrol consumption is 30 miles to the gallon. In every respect the Wolseley is a pleasant little car, demonstrating yet again the ability of the British manufacturer to produce _ a small family machine, economical in operation, yet fast and comfortable on the roughest of colonial roads.