Taking four-wheel-drive into the passenger car market

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

All-wheel-drives are more poised in all conditions than front or rear-drive cars. Sure, in dry conditions and on a good surface the benefits of all-wheel-drive aren't as apparent.

But in the wet ... To find out, get on a skid pan bubbling with water and drive in tight circles.

The four-paw car largely holds its line. Once the force of cornering speeds on all four wheels takes over and forces the car wide, the driver can quickly bring it back on line by momentarily lifting off the accelerator under a slight steering correction.

A rear or front-drive car is a different story. Setting out at speed in circles on a wet skid pan quickly throws the car into a tail-induced spin - unless the driver constantly dials in opposite lock and throttle control to keep the car pretty much on line.

Drivers with rally or track experience can do this. They won't get away from an all-wheel-drive car on a circular skid pan but they can usually hold their own.

But that's good drivers - people who have as much control over a car as Pavarotti has over a note.

Audi hired rally great Walter Rohrl to demonstrate the benefits of all-wheel-drive on a runway at Whenuapai Air Force Base a few years ago. Audi has since been using Pukekohe racetrack. Subaru has done the same with Possum Bourne.

Australia has specialised driving centres all over the place. Subaru used one in Queensland the other day to show how the Impreza could beat the pants off rival cars.

New Zealand doesn't have such a centre, although there is talk of one being set up. If it happens, New Zealanders will have a safe driving environment in which to learn and improve skills.

Carmakers are making more use of such centres, coinciding with the growth of four-wheel-drive passenger cars.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW have four-wheel-drive passenger car models, using electronic gizmos rather than mechanical, in the pipeline. Mercedes calls its system 4MATIC, and BMW uses a variation of the 38:62 front-to-rear torque split unit used in its new X5 off-roader.

Volkswagen already has its 4MOTION models available here. So has Volvo with its all-wheel-drive. Saab is planning an estate model with four-wheel-drive.

Holden and Ford are planning utes. Suzuki will have an optional four-wheel-drive model in its new Swift lineup. The Big Three in America are also turning to four-wheel-drive for passenger cars.

Critics point to the added weight, the cost and complexity of four-wheel-drive systems. But weight accounts for about 6 per cent in most cases, and fuel consumption and tyre wear are only marginally more expensive.

Meantime, Mitsubishi New Zealand has expanded its range with the introduction of a manual version of the four-wheel-drive Galant VR4, a mid-sized sports sedan priced at $65,180.

The carmaker describes the Galant as having a performance profile almost as spectacular as the rally-winning Lancer Evolution.

"With a five-speed manual transmission, the VR4 is an enthusiast's car for drivers who want precise control of the rev counter and power curve," says Mitsubishi.

The Galant is powered by a twin-turbo, 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine producing 206kW and 363Nm of pulling power. The body kit points to a go-fast model and includes a rear spoiler and low front air dam carrying twin driving lights.

Inside, the grey and black trim, Momo steering wheel and leather-covered gear lever also point to a sports model. Standard equipment includes radio/CD sound system, air-conditioning, central locking and keyless entry. Safety equipment includes ABS anti-lock brakes and dual airbags.

Mitsubishi says its lineup of performance cars is unmatched in New Zealand and includes the VR4 manual and automatic, the Lancer Evolution and the Diamante VR-X.