THE LIGHT CAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18412, 2 November 1929, Page 14

THE LIGHT CAR

AN INTERESTING TYPE. With the increasing number of British and Continental motor-cars being Imported into the Dominion, the light type of car is steadily gaining in popularity, and a record of vehicles on the road in Auckland at present would show a substantial proportion of cars of about 10-15 h.p. Many motorists, however, are of the opinion that the light car is not suited for New Zealand road conditions, and argue that they have not sufficient power to cope with the poor surfaces and steep hills to be found in many parts of the country. The modern light car, however, is a highly efficient production, capable of standing up to the most gruelling tests, if driven in the correct manner. The cars are not underpowered in most instances, as they are of light design, and the smaller engine is fully able to propel a suitable body with its correct load. It is only when a light car is grossly over-loaded or badly driven, that it makes a poor showing; in the hands of a competent driver who considers his car, it will perform excellently.

When the designer of a motor-car terms the finished product, for sake of example, the five-seater, it is only inviting disaster to use iet as a means of transport for six or seven people. In the case of high-powered cars, a little over-loading makes practically no difference in the performance of the engine, but in a light car, where there is a smaller margin of power over-load-ing invariably imposes a severe task on the car, much to the detriment of engine, chassis and coach work. A body designed to hold five in comfort may take six or seven at a pinch, but if the practice is continued, its effects will soon be apparent in squeaks where joints have been strained. In New Zealand, especially in the country districts, a motor-car is used as a general purpose vehicle, and over-loading, though often unintentional, is very prevalent. Light cars show the ill effects of such abuse much sooner and to a greater degree than do highly powered motors, and their susceptibility to illtreatment has undeservedly won them a reputation for instability and sluggishness. Another argument advanced against light cars is the necessity for changing gear more frequently than on more powerful models. The requirement does exist, but the critic of the light car must bear in mind the fact that the gear-box of a small car has been designed for use, and is nearly always exceedingly smooth in action. Drivers accustomed to ‘top-gear” cars dislike changing down, but to the enthusiast a change at high speed is a pleasure. A certain degree of confidence is required, but once this is attained, it will be found a simple matter to change down at anything up to 40 m.p.h., especially if the car it fitted with a four-speed gear-box. The secret of getting a good performance and a high average speed from a light car lies in changing down early enough. To wait until the engine is labouring in “top,” and then to make a leisurely change, with the result that the car is barely crawling when the lower gear is engaged, imposes an undue strain on the engine and transmission, and also gives the driver an impression that the car is incapable of a better performance.

The easy steering and the general lightness of control of a small car makes it especially suitable for ladies. Unless particularly bad country is encountered, where the car is jolting continuously, the light car imposes only a very slight strain on the driver, and may be driven for a whole day without any undue sense of fatigue. The small car is steady on loose gravel or on a smooth wet surface, and even if it does skid, it can be quickly got under control.

One of the principal arguments in favour of the light car is its comparatively small original cost, and economy In running expenses. There are several small cars on the road which will

average at least 30 m.p.g. over any kind of road, while oil consumption is practically negligible. Tyres last longer, and when they have to be renewed, they cost less than those for heavy cars. In regard to performance, the light car shows up very creditably. A small car of a well-known make recently completed a tour of both North and South Islands without mechanical trouble of any kind. The car was driven through snow-covered roads in the South, along beaches in the heavy sand, and through flooded 1 areas, and never gave the slightest trouble. Benzine consumption averaged over 30 m.p.g., while very little oil was used. The light car certainly has its limitations, but its excellent and consistent performances, have won it a well-de-served reputation for reliability, and it is indicated that increasing numbers of small cars will appear on the roads in the near future.