MOTORING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23157, 1 October 1938, Page 17 (Supplement)

MOTORING

BY FOCUS

Sprightly Little Performer

\ SINGER NINE SHOWS STAMINA IN TEST

Remarkable cornering capabilities constitute one of a number of admirable features in the latest nine horse-power Singer Bantam. Underslung springing is responsible for a low centre of gravity, which makes steering one of the charms of this sprightly little car, a worthy member of the Singer scries. In appearance it is not unlike

other small 'English models, and its range of performance would please the majority'' of motorists. Submitted to a comprehensive road test in Auckland this week, a stock model. of the Singer Bantam saloon gave a good account of itself. It handled with ease and ample acceleration in congested traffic zones, and turned in a moderately narrow arc, which facilitated parking and city manoeuvring. Until one became accustomed to the car, the stout frontal pillars were inclined to restrict driving vision' at crossroads. For all ordinary driving, however, the one-piece shatter-proof windscreen was sufficient to allow a good line of vision, thanks also to wellplaced front bucket seating. Hydraulic brakes ensure a measure of safety in an emergency, although on I

the model tested some . adjustments were necessary. The brake thrust, and the clutch too. were firm, requiring determined application, and the accelerator, although comfortably positioned, was rather stiff, compared with the majority of recent cars. The overhead-valve motor functioned excellently under all conditions. The four cylinders set up no rumblo or tinevenness of power at high or low speeds. In many, respects, the Singer Bantam proved itself a handy top-gear performer. taking Upper Queen Street arid the drive to the summit of Mount Eden quite comfortably in its stride. Where changing down ,*became necessary, it was assisted with synchromesh gears, although the gear-change was a little stiff. With an open road ahoad, the car could gather speed swiftly and quite silently, and 50 miles an hour proved .a happy cruising pace. Steep corners could also be surmounted quite creditably, and over bad, bumpy metal roads the car gave a fairly smooth ride, showing slight tendency to sway or swerve. A full car must have improved the ride, and demonstrated the success of now rear springing which ; was a fault in earlier models. The rear of the latest Singer Bantam is 2in. higher, and served with;; double-action hydraulio shock absorbers.-;: 1 . '^ The Singer has a distinctive radiator design, and a serviceable and attractive stono grille. The two doors are fitted with threequarter size winding win-1 dows, with a stable wind-defecting section.; Sliding panels serve in the rear of the car, and passengers have ari unobstructed outlook, from low, leather j upholstered seats. . j. Ono of the immediate impressions of the interior of the car is its roominess. Its midget stature is very deceptive, as. there is ample space, for Jour adults, to bo comfortably seated. To improve the comfort of front seat passengers, the provision of single adjustable chair* is a sound principle. , -.tv;.'A Some of tho gerieral cqiiipment-in-cltides

a large adjustable rear luggage carrier. Door pockets are provided, in addition to spacious parcel compartments on either side oI the central instrument panel, comprising a elockface speedomoter, a composite dial of equal sizo with oil, petrol and electrical gauges. Singers are offered in Auckland in three models. Tn addition to the Bantam two-door saloon, which is the only small typo imported, there are the 10 and 12 horse-power cars. The Bantam roadster is not now sold in Auckland.