Efficient compacts - Black Enterprise 1993 Auto Guide - Buyers Guide

Black Enterprise, Nov, 1992 by Jay Koblenz

One look up at the urban sky and it's evident a crisis is at hand. That burning in your eyes and every deep breath you take bring a desire for change. Whether that change is for the good is a matter of considerable controversy. But no matter if we're headed in the right direction or not, the race is on and several contenders are running hard.

The battle is joined in California because that's where the air is foul and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is powerful. Automakers are being forced to build and sell vehicles that run on fuels other than traditional gasoline. (They are also being forced to build electric vehicles, although that technology is still far from being practical from a consumer standpoint. Only government fleets will be operating on batteries any time soon.)

This fall, the Big Three automakers are building vehicles available to the public that will run on fuel other than gasoline. These cars are being offered, "Not because of a ground swell of demand by the public," says Doug Teague, executive engineer, Advanced Emissions and Regulatory Programs at Chrysler Corp., but because of the combination of government requirements and a simple matter of concern about the future of the business.

The figures are small, for now, with fewer than 10,000 cars expected to reach the market in 1993. That could change eventually: "In the long run, we think alternative fuels will play an important role," says Beth Ardisana, planning manager, Alternative Fuels Engineering and Planning at Ford Motor Co.

Being offered to the public now are FFVs, or "flexible fuel vehicles." These can operate on anything from straight gasoline to a combination of 85% methanol/15% gasoline,, or anything in between. Ford is building 2,800 Taurus FFVs and Chrysler is building about 3,500 Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim FFVs.

"Our first buyers will be fleet owners," says Ardisana. She also believes consumers who have access to methanol might like the idea that the cars produce only about 20% to 30% of the ozone-causing emissions of a gasoline-powered car.

Performance is actually the same or better with methanol, say both Teague and Ardisana, although gasoline produces better mileage. That's one reason why the FFVs have larger fuel tanks. FFVs are convenient because they also can operate on gasoline when that's the only fuel around.

Another fuel likely to do well is natural gas, which Teague states can result in, "the lowest emissions internal combustion engine available to the public." - But natural gas requires large, cylindrical tanks that are difficult to place in smaller vehicles. For now, Ford and Chrysler are building only full-size vans and trucks to run on natural gas. Another improvement is reformulated gasoline, which could become 10% to 30% cleaner than it is today.

Will there be a smorgasbord of fuels available in the 21st Century? Ardisana believes, "There will be a few niche fuels, like the way gasoline and diesel coexist today." But you don't need to consider selling your present car immediately. Says Ardisana,

"In the next 10 or 20 years, the predominant fuel will be gasoline. It will be more expensive and cleaner gasoline, but gasoline."

NISSAN ALTIMA

Competing against the likes of Honda, Toyota and Ford, Nissan was ill-equipped with the Stanza. This fall, a rather peculiarly styled new version of that car gains a new name. It's still a bit smaller than the competition and can't be equipped with a V-6 engine, but it does offer a few extra features.

This is the first Nissan in this class to offer a standard driver air bag. The engine is a 2.4-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder with a very healthy 150 horsepower. The Altima is a front-drive, four-door sedan available in four different trim levels.

The XE has relatively few frills. The GXE includes only slightly nicer trim, but can be equipped with options that add more luxury. The SE is the sporty model. At this level, items like air-conditioning and four-speaker stereo become standard. The GLE is top of the line, available with an automatic transmission only. Anti-lock brakes are available on all models. Prices range from $12,999 to 16,524.

GEO PRIZM

Like its twin, the Toyota Corolla, the all-new Prizm is larger, quieter and more comfortable. It gets a driver air bag and choice of 1.6- or 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, with 105 and 115 horsepower, respectively. Inside, the Prizm has a cockpit-oriented look, with controls and instruments canted towards the driver.

There are two models of the Prizm, standard and LSi, both four-door sedans. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and an automatic is optional. The 1.8 comes with a four-speed automatic. Not only does it help performance, but it improves fuel economy. With the 1.6-liter engine, you can only get a three-speed automatic. Anti-lock brakes are optional on all models.

With prices starting at just over $10,000, the Prizm is a real value. The smaller engine is fine for budget-minded folks, but the 1.8-liter gives better performance, even with the automatic.