THE BEST OF TWENTY-FIVE

NZ Truth, Issue 1210, 7 February 1929, Page 18

THE BEST OF TWENTY-FIVE

Continental p^ Up Tlc> A HariiTest

In competitive tests of 25 six and eight cylinder cars by ''The- Motor" from January to August 1927, the Renault 21 h.p. light six put up the best performance m every single test.

THE Renault \ has other qualities, apart ' from' its mechanical rellabil\i ity which places it foremost among the Continental cars. The comfort vand safety of the new 21 h.p. six have been further augmented by .-.. the incorporation, of the Renault "Servo" four-wheel brakes and threeway suspension. This is an entirely new system of springing and is exclusive to the 21 h.p. and big six modelsV Another feature— the oil radi-. a tor — contributes greatly to smooth ; running of the engine, and enables high speeds to be. maintained . without overheating. Renault cars are capable of high speeds and yet are easily controlled m traffic. French cars have long been renowned for their braking and steering, which have, so far, not been improved upon. " A well calculated ratio between th 6 steering wheel and the front wheels gives a greater steering control. ; It is self-centred and nufm^atically adjusts deflections -from tne ... straight. The steering is very light and no matter how rutty the road there is no "snatching." ' . .• - The clutch is the single disc plate, type which makes gear changing vfery easy. It also s assists m a smooth "getaway" and only requires the slightest pressure on the pedal. Another advanage with' the Renault clutch is that, it is easy to inspect and remove without dismantling the engine or gear box. The "Servo" four-wheel brake system is operated by a foot, lever which brings the brakes into positive action through the "Servo" motor, which, actuates the brakes by using the momentum of the vehicle. The pressure bears equally on all four "wheels with a consequent reduction m tyre wear.

This system increases the rapidity of deceleration, eliminates the risk of locked wheels and side-slipping. The brakes are easily adjusted, although they require less attention than do the ordinary mechanical four- wheel brakes. . Renault (pronounced Reno), manufacturers have been building cars for many years. They commenced operations abput the same • time as Panhard-Lavasseur and De Dion, the pioneers of the French motor industry. Since 1898 the Renault cars have enjoyed the unique distinction of the radiator being behind the engine. That this peculiar feature has never been altered is due to the fact that it ensures efficient cooling and makes the engine more accessible. Also the radiator is protected from possible damage. The oil radiator and oil purifier cleanses the engine lubricating oil and frees it from all foreign matter. It is operated, on the principal of centrifugal force, "by the engine without requiring any attention from the driver, except an occasional cleaning. : The new Q h.p. model possesses the same refinements as the larger models except that it is a four-cylinder car. The actual dimensions' of the 8.3 h.p. engine are 58 and 90 mm. The cylinder head and block are detachable and the side valves are inclined. The Renault- method of detaching the carburettor by withdrawing a pin and loosening a ,stirrup is also very convenient. Thefe are. three- speeds, and internal expanding four wheel brakes, and this little car is capable of 45 miles an hour mile after mile without undue pushing. , ;i It is a neat job and one built to last.