BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 9th May 2003
POWERED by a 4.0-litre, in-line overhead camshaft six driving the rear wheels through a four-speed auto. Leaf-spring rear suspension loses out to Statesman's IRS although a self-levelling system is available. Well equipped with climate control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control and other regular luxury features.
TOYOTA CRESSIDA 4D SEDAN (1988-1993)
A SMOOTH, powerful 3.0-litre, twin camshaft, 24-valve, straight six engine gives the Cressida excellent performance. Drive is to the rear wheels through a four-speed auto. No manual is available. The full five-seater body offers luxury accommodation and a smooth, quiet ride. Surprisingly, air-conditioning was not standard.
MAZDA 929 4D HARDTOP (1990-1991)
EQUIPPED with a 3.0-litre, single cam, multi-point fuel injected V6, the Mazda is rear-wheel drive with full five-seat capacity. Road performance is reasonable and there is a long list of luxury features including air-conditioning, alloy wheels, central locking and power windows.
NISSAN MAXIMA 4D SEDAN (1990-1993)
WITH a transverse 3.0-litre V6 engine and front-wheel drive, the Maxima is the most high tech of the Japanese rivals. The engine is coupled to a mandatory four-speed automatic and gives good acceleration. Handling is a little soft and vague but ride comfort is good. Styling both inside and out is conservative and dull. Equipment level is comparable with the other Japanese makes.