Efficient compacts - Black Enterprise 1993 Auto Guide - Buyers Guide

Black Enterprise, Nov, 1992 by Jay Koblenz

HONDA DEL SOL

This year the efficiently engineered Civic family adds a more sophisticated, albeit less innovative, successor to the highly entertaining CRX - the targa-styled del Sol. With removable roof and roll-bar styling, it's a fashionable alternative to the pure roadster. At $13,200 to $15,750, depending on model, del Sol is exciting and affordable.

The rest of the Civic Line shouldn't be overlooked either. Civic hatchbacks come in base CX, mid-line DX and high-performance Si, with horsepower ranging from 70 to 125. There is also a unique high-model called the VX, but the penalty is sluggish acceleration. Sedans start with the price leader DX, and mid-line LX. Top of the line is the EX, with anti-lock brakes, sunroof, full power accessories and the high-performance engine. Every Civic also has a driver air bag.

Prices for Honda's modest transportation mobiles start around $8,500, but can top $15,000.

FORD ESCORT

Escort gets a mild face-lift. Ford is now offering to California buyers Escorts with the market's most modern catalytic converter, making it the cleanest in emissions of any car available.

The three-door Pony is the price leader, with the LX the next step up, adding such things as better upholstery, split-folding rear seat and AM/FM stereo. It's available in any hatchback (3 or 5 doors), sedan or station wagon. The GT three-door is the high-performance model, with a more powerful engine, wider wheels and tires, and four-wheel disc brakes. The LX-E sedan gets much of the same treatment including the more potent engine. The base 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine puts only 88 horsepower, but torque is a good 108 foot-pounds. The 1.8-liter 16-valve delivers a rousing 127 horsepower. Shortcoming: no air bag.

Prices range from $8,730 to $13,000. But there is a choice of body styles for one price.

MAZDA MX-3

With its pop-culture styling and available V-6 engine the tiny MX-3 has tremendous appeal.

Every MX-3 shares the same tear-drop design, but the hot GS model benefits from the jewel-like, 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter V-6. With dual overhead cams, 24 valves, electronically controlled sequential fuel injection and a tuned intake system, this engine will rev high enough to make enthusiasts grin. There are competitors that are more powerful and faster, but none can match the sound and feel of the smallest mass-produced V-6 on the U.S. market

In base trim,the MX-3 looses its status as a high-tech pocket rocket settling for being cute and economical. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, smaller wheels and tires and less aggressive suspension give away performance in the name of ride comfort, fuel economy and a lower price. The price is about $11,875, compared to about $14,000 plus options for the GS.

TOYOTA COROLLA

The all-new Corolla is bigger and moves to the compact class. Among improvements are a larger engine option and driver air bag. Anti-lock brakes are optional on all models. The Corolla is also much quiter and more comfortable. It retains its well-designed interior and is still a pleasure to drive.