60/60 Vision

From time to time you have looked for a proper four-seater car that will do 60 mph and 60 mpg. Have you considered the Suzuki three-cylinder one-litre car? Here in Canada it is marketed as the Suzuki Forza, Pontiac Firefly or Chevrolet Sprint. It comes as a two-door or four-door hatchback and is also available in a turbo version.

We bought a four-door Firefly about a year ago. We have three drivers and three cars in the family, but we all like it the best. It has covered 15,000 miles without a problem. It is great fun to drive, and it has no trouble pulling away at traffic-lights or passing on hills. The car’s maximum speed must be well over 80 mph, and it certainly cruises as fast as I care to travel.

Now for the 60 mpg bit. Recently my wife, my son and I, with a large quantity of luggage, made a fast trip to Los Angeles, about 1350 miles each way. We found no difficulty in doing the journeys in two days each because the car is so comfortable and quiet. I carefully recorded fuel inputs and odometer readings and every fill except one gave 60 mpg. The best, for a spell of 360 miles, was 68 mpg. For much of the trip the speed limit was 65 mph and we averaged over 60 mph.

I don’t think the three-cylinder Suzuki is available in England yet, but when it is I recommend it to your attention.

J D PEIRSON