Economy a Major Factor

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 12 (Supplement)

Economy a Major Factor

rOOKING little different from the . 1938 model, but actually incorporating a number of outstanding refinements, the Hillman Minx for this year -is a car that commends itself by its sheer ruggedness. Smart in appearance, without any eccentric touch, it is a roomy and comfortable family car, with a pleasing range of performance in town and on the open highway. Economy is the mhjor claim of the makers of the Hillman Minx. They assert that a redesigned carburation systom has made possible mileages in excess of 40 to the gallon. An officially observed test conducted by the Royal Automobile Club, London, produced a certificate recording petrol consumption of over 47 miles to the gallon. Auckland agents again claim that owners have reported similar results, and after a road test of some 30 miles this week a saloon model, which had a speedometer reading of over 3000 miles, used much less than a gallon of petrol. The gauge is said to measure gallons accurately. Another big advance has been made by the introduction of a four-speed gear box. On top gear the car has amazing power for its 10 horse-power rating, and soared over' Queen Street with ample reserve at 35 miles an hour. With three up, and maintaining a steady pace on the gravel surface, the car climbed around the -steep grades of the West Coast Road to Waiatarua in creditable fashion, and second gear was only engaged twice for the most strenuous pulls. In traffic third gear was found particularly useful. It permits one to amble along when density demands a halt, and stands ready for any sudden dart of acceleration that suggests a getaway as traffic thins out. Moreover, third gear gives a speed of over 35 miles am hour, and top niakes easy work of a pace up to 50. Around 30 an engine whine developed in the car

tested, rising a pitch in tone as the rate increased, but it could scarcely be termed objectionable. The gear lever is ready to hand, but entirely clear of the driver and passenger's knees. The gears in the model tested were easily manipulated, synchromesh equipment being incorporated on first, second and third gears. The length of the lever, which is straight* makes the plunger very positive. In conjunction with the smoothly-operating clutch the take off and subsequent) changing can be swiftly accomplished, without a clash-

Riding comfort is another feature of tho Hillman Minx. Orthodox springing is used, but coupled with piston type shock absorbers, it ensures a shockproof ride. On metal roads the car tended to swing out at the tail rounding curves, but the easy and positive steering created a complete sense of ease. There was no- marked roll on bends, the car handling rather , well under the worst road conditions encountered.

There is nothing pretentious in the design of the car. The radiator grille is only slightly tilted back, and is finished "with chromium horizontal louvres, and a central band painted tho samo colour as /the bodywork. The headlamps, which are stated to give a long, broad beam, as well as the sidelamps. are also finished in chromium, and not in any way recessed. Chromium bumpers and wheel caps are also fitted, while tho absence of running boards adds a note of beauty. Ample room is provided for five passengers, with two in the front bucket

1939 CHANGES ON THE HILLMAN MINX

chairs. Standard models are done in rexinc, while there are real leather seats in the more expensive types. One distinct advantage is the roominess of the front compartment, making for general comfort for the driver on long runs. The floor at the back is divided by a torque well. Other appointments have the samo hallmark of taste. The un.scratchable facia panel includes two deep glove pockets, and central instruments, with a Sin. circular speedometer and gauges, all floodlit. Ignition and oil warning lights are provided. The hand brake lever is somewhat awkwardly placed to the left of the gear lover, Bendix type brakes being fitted. Models available in Auckland are the standard four-door saloon, priced at £2BB, the special salocpn at £305, and the touring saloon, with rear luggage boot and carrier, at £3lO.

BRITISH CAR AGENT: Mr. L. C. Cunningham, export manager of Rootes, Limited, London, [sole icorld exporters for Humber, Hillman and Sunbeam-Talbot cars and Commer and Karrier commercial vehicles. He is at present conducting a tour of the branches of Todd Motors, Limited, throughout Neiu Zealand.