Cars Service

IN 1994 Ford of Japan shoehorned a 2.0-litre quad-cam V6 into the body of its Telstar, chucked some large tyres and rims on it, put sports seats and trim inside, and called it the TX5. This was made available in Malaysia only as a four-door manual hatchback.

If you are looking at the option of buying a used sedan for about RM$35K, then you have to test-drive this car. If you like to drive, you have to drive the Ford Telstar TX5. This is a sports sedan without an identity. First of all, there are two models: the sedan V6 and the five-door hatchback V6 manual. The TX5 with the V6 manual gearbox is what I’m talking about, and if you like to crunch gearboxes, then take a look at it.




First, take a long hard look at the Telstar TX5’s picture. The Ford Telstar TX5 has always been a good predictable sedan that outshone the competition but never made the top ten sales figures in Malaysia. The TX5 had to sell against locally made Perdanas, Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys and its sister the Mazda 626 in both the medium (the four-cylinder models) and upper-medium (V6) segments that almost ensured quality. Performance can be spirited and, for some drivers, the V6 auto will lack low- to mid-range torque and low prestige value.

When you’re out on the road, this car is wonderful. The suspension and firm body gives this car superb handling. BMW drivers take heed, as this car will give you a surprise. Road noise is acceptable and the boot eats up two large luggage bags with ease. Back seat drivers will not complain.

Acceleration from the 150hp V6 is much better than you would expect. With its handling abilities, you might want more horses under the hood, but the Telstar TX5’s engine is more than up to the task. Top end grunt is impressive with the needle going past the 200km/h point where possible. The car handles road bumps very well, and gives the passenger an excellent sense of stability when on the highway.

Back to the identity crisis: On the one hand, for most gear heads the Telstar TX5 looks like a family car. And the interior is obviously the result of too many cost cutting measures that Malaysians who can only afford locally produced cars have been forced to accept for years. These features will attract cost conscious family car buyers who appreciate an imported looking and feeling car.

The excellent acceleration and wonderful handling would appeal to drivers who like BMWs. If this car looked as good as the 5 series, this car would eat up buyers as well as it eats up miles. This car has nearly every option you could think of. Central locking, ABS, air conditioning, cruise control, rear wiper/washer/demister, power steering and more and non of this is public knowledge!
The manual Telstar TX5 hatch is very, very hard to locate. Bags of power and style and an unbelievable price to match! A 1995 manual 2.0-litre sedan will sell for as low as RM$33,000 and they run all the way up to RM$38,000 for a good 1997 V6.

Conclusion: this car is an excellent compromise between comfort and performance. It is an easy manual car to drive for those spoilt auto box lovers. It’s an excellent point-to-point performer and inspires a great deal of confidence with its roadholding ability.

Verdict! Smooth V6 engine. Classy, sleek almost fish-like bodywork. A better buy to any locally produced V6, even new ones! Performance is lively if not rapid, and reliability is up there with the best. Hard to beat used price for overall value.

Source of information: http://www.autospeed.com/

The latest generation of Cadillac Seville, now simply dubbed STS to align with the domestic brands new alpha naming strategy, was launched as a 2005 model, and shortly after its introduction I road tested a top-of-the-line V8 model.

Recently, however, I thought it fitting to test a more modest and sedate version of the STS; one that wouldnt require such deep pockets to call, "mine." Although stripped of two cylinders, 45-horsepower and a dessert cart full of electronics, the de-contented 2006 STS is still a pretty sweet ride. It is a tightly assembled sled, embodying much of the quality and amenities we have come to expect in modern luxury cars.

Whats New for the 2006 Cadillac STS?

After one year on the market, Cadillacs 2006 STS remains a fresh choice in both exterior styling and rich interior appointments. Previously available only on the V8, the STS receives an all-wheel-drive option for the V6 this year. In addition, the Bose 5.1 Surround Sound System, available only on higher priced packages last year, is now available on the Luxury Package V8 as well. Other changes include four new exterior colors: Stealth Gray, Radiant Bronze, Blackberry, and Infrared. Gone are Red Line, Moonstone and Silver Green. Look for a sophisticated super-spy personality to resonate from owners who opt for the force-fed, 4.4-liter supercharged Northstar V8 engine with 469-horsepower and 439-lb.-ft. of torque in the STS-V.

Pros: Nav and sound system. Great overall comfort, great overall performance and ride.

Cons: Voice recognition is nice but can sometimes be a inconsistent. Glove box is simply stupid.

Favorite Features: The comfort, DVD audio, seats, smell of the leather, wood steering wheel, large navigation screen, and wide high console for resting arm on. This car is quiet at high speeds and around town. The tire pressure monitors show exact pressures on each wheel. I like the LED tail lights and the keyless entry is a pleasure. The park distance control feature is nice as well.

Interior Design and Special Features:

Cadillac has been putting extra effort into interior design and materials quality, and it shows in the STS. Panel fit and finish is top-notch, and premium materials such as eucalyptus wood trim and optional Tuscany leather give the cabin a truly luxurious feel. The automatic climate control system monitors interior temperatures in relation to outside conditions, and the driver can stay informed without looking down thanks to a four-color head-up display projected onto the windshield.

Powertrains and Performance:

There are two available engines: a 3.6-liter V6 good for 255 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, and a 4.6-liter V8 that generates 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. Both engines feature variable valve timing and electronic throttle control. A five-speed automatic with regular and sport shift programs comes standard with either engine. Cadillac STS buyers can also choose whether they want rear-wheel drive to maximize performance and economy, or all-wheel drive for better all-weather traction.

Safety:

Stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with a panic assist feature are standard. Airbags include seat-mounted side bags for front occupants and head curtain airbags spanning the first and second rows. The STS has not been crash tested.

Driving Impressions:

A V8 STS is not exactly sport sedan-quick in its movements, but it can be pushed hard without losing composure. With the rear wheels providing the power, Cadillacs engineers were free to focus on the kind of precise steering feel thats nearly impossible to achieve with front-wheel drive. The result is a delicate feel through the steering wheel without a numb on-center sensation or overly aggressive assistance. The standard V6 is able to get the big sedan up to speed with surprising gusto. Unlike some of its competitors whose six-cylinder offerings provide merely adequate performance, the V6 in the STS rarely feels underpowered. But step up to the V8 and the STS really shows its mettle.

Overall, this aint your daddys Caddie! I checked out the Audi, 5 series BMW, Mercedes, etc. Bottom line: Cadillacs performance was right up there with them and I got more bang for the buck in regards to features. the V6 has plenty of power and The Bose 5.1 surround sound system is awesome. The transmission is extremely smooth through all gears. The ride is tight enough to "feel" the road but smooth enough to be pampered as you glide through the apex of a corner. Grown up class but fun for the kid in all of us.

Love it!

Specifications (V6):

Price Range (MSRP): $55,995 - $70,150 ($41,740 - $50,125 USD)

Body Type: 4-door sedan

Layout: front engine, RWD (AWD optional on V8 model)

Engine: 255 hp, 252 lb-ft of torque, 3.6L (217 cu in), 24-valve, V6

Transmission: 5-spd automatic with manual-mode

Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, DBA, RBP

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14.2 / 8.8 L/100 km (16.5 - 26.7 mpg)
Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive

Direct Competitors: Acura TL/RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Chrysler 300,
Infiniti M35, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS,
Lincoln LS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Saab 9-5 Arc, Volvo S60/80