1999 CHEVROLET TRACKER

1999 CHEVROLET TRACKER This is the first remake of the Tracker in ten years. Apart from the wheelbase, the Tracker is bigger in every way. Unlike the Suzuki Vitara on which it is based, the Tracker is not available with a V-6 engine; it has to make do with a four-cylinder. The two-door version has a standard 1.6-litre engine, with a 2.0-litre as an option; the four-door version gets the 2.0-litre as standard equipment. We tested a four-door model. Interior and trunk The Tracker is easy to enter and exit, despite its high stance. The front seats especially are comfortable, with good lateral support to keep occupants firmly in place. Drivers quickly find the position that suits them best. Rear leg room is surprisingly ample. The bench seat is comfortable, but for two adults only. Both sides of the 60/40 split backrest can be inclined to at least five different angles. The cargo area is relatively small. The head restraints have to be removed to fold the rear bench, and there is no safe place to stow them away. The rear door opens towards the right, on the wrong side for loading when parked parallel to a sidewalk. Safety and convenience The Tracker is quiet and well finished inside. For wind noise to become apparent, even with a roof rack, it has to be blowing quite strongly. There is an abundance of storage spaces, including a map pocket in all four doors. Instruments and controls are sensibly located and easy to use. However, the stalk on the right is a bit crowded; it holds the wiper control, the intermittent cycle control and, when there is one, the cruise control. The wipers do not have a MIST position, practical when driving in light rain or when sections of the pavement are wet. The heater is strong but slow. At temperatures above 25oC, the air conditioner is not as efficient. The turn-signals are practically inaudible, and the horn button in the centre of the steering wheel is a bit too small. Safety features include front air bags, optional anti-lock brakes, bright headlights, big mirrors and four head restraints. Rear visibility is impeded by the head restraints, by part of the rear window that the wiper does not clean, and by the spare tire, even though it is lower than before. Engine and transmission The 2.0-litre engine provides modest standing and passing acceleration, especially under 3,000 rpm. Performance perks up above the 3,000 mark, for more pleasant driving and safer passing. The engine is generally smooth and fairly quiet, even at highway speeds. It is hard to get reasonable performance without penalizing fuel economy. The manual transmission shifts stiffly, especially from fourth to fifth. On a more positive note, the transmission is well geared , clutch action is progressive and the transfer case is easy to use.

On the road The suspension is a real surprise, providing a smooth, comfortable ride on most roads. On rough sections, the reaction is firm but rarely harsh. The Tracker holds the road well in turns, as long as the high centre of gravity and attendant limits are respected. The well-tuned steering is stable and precise, with a short turning circle. Braking is competent. On the lift at the CAA-Quebec inspection centre, the Tracker proved to be well built, with one exception, the front anti-sway bar. The bar is lower than the suspension arms, and more exposed to damage, even with the optional plates that shield the underside in difficult off-road conditions. Conclusion The new, more refined Tracker is fun to drive, on all types of roads, and this more civilized behaviour will widen its appeal. It can also go farther afield than many competing models that lack a two-speed transfer case and the same sturdy construction. FOR Smooth ride Comfortable seats Road holding Steering Good soundproofing Fit and finish

AGAINST Rear door opens on wrong side Heater a bit slow Power; low-level torque Stiff manual transmission Rear visibility Low anti-sway bar 1999 CHEVROLET TRACKER

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Horsepower: 97 hp @ 5,200 rpm; 127 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 103 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm; 134 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic Suspension: indepdent front/rigid rear Brakes: front disc/rear drums Length: 2-door: 385.5 cm; 4-door: 413.5 cm Width: 171 cm Height: 2-door: 169 cm; 4-door: 168.5 cm Wheelbase: 2-door: 220 cm; 4-door: 248 cm Weight: 2-door: 1,235 kg; 4-door: 1,355 kg Tires: P205/75R15 Towing capacity: 2-door: 454 kg; 4-door: 680 kg Air bags: standard dual Fuel consumption (2.0-litre engine and manual transmission): − Transport Canada rating: city: 10.5 L/100 km (27 mpg); highway: 8.4 L/100 km (34 mpg) − Test result: 11.5 L/100 (25 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity: 2-door: 56 litres; 4-door: 66 litres litres Acceleration: 0-100 kmh : 11.7 seconds

60-100 kmh : 7.3 seconds

Competition: Honda CR-V, Jeep TJ, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/5,000 km; total to 100,000 km: $1,117 Warranty: − Bumper-to-bumper: 3 years/60,000 km − Power train: 3 years/60,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 − Perforation damage: 6 years/160,000 − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km full coverage; 8 years/130,000 km coverage of catalytic converter and electronic control module Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $427 Brake pads: $193 Front fender: $229

Front brake disk: $139 Muffler: $549

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $776 to $1,094 Price according to trim line: 2-door soft top: $19,275 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,235 ABS: $745 Aluminum wheels: $500 Price as tested: $23,125 Freight and preparation: $755 Dealers: Quebec: 173; Canada: 647  CAA-Quebec, June 1999

4-door hardtop: $20,490

Air: $945 Convenience group: $645 Radio/CD player: $325