BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 18th Jun 2003
THIS is no sports car, being based on a Starlet-like model unseen here. So its front-drive platform is more shopping-car than driver's delight, as is a 74kW 1.5 engine. All show and not much go, the Paseo is nothing more than a less practical light car wearing reasonably sporty clothes. Not for enthusiasts.
NISSAN NX 2D COUPE (1991-1996)
SPORTY looking NX coupe has a "targa" roof with removable glass panels. Interior space provides two-plus-two seating. All aluminium, 2.0-litre, 16-valve engine has power output of 105kW which makes the NX a good performer. Standard equipment includes power steering.
HONDA INTEGRA 2D COUPE (1989-1993)
SMART looking Honda Integra has more interior space than its rivals. Twin cam, 16-valve, 1.8-litre engine produces 96kW, raised to 103kW from 1992, which gives the Integra performance to match the Nissan NX. Generous equipment list includes sunroof.
MITSUBISHI LANCER 2D COUPE (1992-1996)
THE 86kW 1.8 engine provides good performance, just short of Integra and Nissan NX. Equipment level is comparable to S Coupe minus power steering but overall the Lancer is good value for money. The Proton M21 Coupe from the late 1990s was a Malaysian-built version of this car, so (please) consider as well.