Berlina Impresses Test Driver

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 24, 10 November 1987, Page 3 (Supplement)

Berlina Impresses Test Driver

The last time I was behind the wheel of a Commodore was two years ago, so I was interested to compare the advancements that make the new Berlina Commodore 3 litre such a popular car in our district. I was certainly "surprised". The test drive began by manoeuvring the new Berlina around the other vehicles at Turaki Motors. No problem for this medium sized car with its power steering and the good seat position that enabled me to see the corners of the front panels easily. I had to check the clear and well laid out instrument panel to ensure the very quiet engine was running as I turned onto the main street. Peter Freakley must have wondered if he would get this car back in one piece as I literally 'blasted' away from the car saies yard.

Rob Hill, Turaki Motors salesman, talked enthusiastically about the tremendous improvement in performance and handling of the new Commodore over their earlier namesakes and 1 immediately realised that this was not just saies talk. The power produced by this 3 litre, six cylinder, 5speed, manual Berlina was exceptional and I was impressed by the smooth gearbox and lack of road noise as I took it through its paces. The interior is of good quality and any evidence of poor quality control was certainly not evident in this car. The temptation to give this car 'heaps' was more than I could resist and the

combination of good gearing, and a high performing engine soon had the car cruising along. The feeling of having plenty of 'car' around you was good and the suspensiOn I had come to appreciate in the earlier model Commodores has certainly not deteriorated. A small burst around Racecourse Road and then out to Hikumutu put the car to good test and although neither the car nor the driver were in the same class as Peter Brock and his Mobil Commodore, it is obvious this could be claimed as one of the few victories the Australians have had over the past year. The final test was when

the Taumarunui Gazette reporter, Julie Shaw, took the car for a short spin (which it nearly was) around Taumarunui. With a smile on her face as wide as the Wanganui River she described the car as 'mind blowing' - so easy to drive, and was also impressed by its interior and nice styling. Before returning the car, reluctantly, to Turaki Motors, a look under the bonnet revealed the large engine which gives this car its performance. The good space we have come to appreciate in all Commodores continues and excellent ground clearance must make this car an attractive option for those farmers who still have some money left! Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the Commodore Berlina and congratulate the General Motors Holden team for coming up with a reasonable sized and priced family car with performance that matches its European and Japanese competitors.