Techzle celebrates its 30th anniversary and that is why we look back every week on this week’s edition in 1990. As of today, Techzle 38 is in the shops with a double test between the Skoda Octavia and Honda Civic and we will send for the first time with the Morgan Plus Four, but what was exactly thirty years ago in Techzle 38?
News
After weeks full of news and firsts from newcomers caught, it is a somewhat sparse affair in week 38. It is mainly small firsts that dominate the news. Mitsubishi, for example, announces that it will come with new engines from 1991. Good news, because the Lancer family will now have 12 valves. This makes them stronger as well as faster. The 2.0-liter DOHC engine from the Galant has also been improved in some areas. There is also a new ‘Carrera’ men’s fragrance and Formula 1 world champion Keke Rosberg, Nico’s father, returns to motorsport: in 1991 he competes with the Sport Prototypes in a Peugeot 905.
Tests
In the 38th Techzle ever made, there are many separate tests. Take the first meeting with Volvo’s new 900 series replacing the 700 series. The 960 is the new highlight of the Swedish brand. Today, Volvo still sticks to the last two digits, the former giving way to letters like the ‘V’ or ‘XC’.
On the same side of the ladder, Lexus operates in the early 1990s with the LS 400. The Japanese luxury limousine is driven for the first time in Techzle 38. This is especially notable for its inimitable sound quality and the “almost perfect” chassis. There are also smaller newcomers, such as the Rover 111. After the successful launch of the 200 series, it is now the turn of the 100 series. Which is basically a refreshed Austin Metro.
Honda launched a brand new model at the end of 1990: the Concerto. This inconspicuous debutant can compete with a characterful routine: the Alfa Romeo 33. In addition to fine engines, both cars have good handling according to the test editors. The Honda, however, leaves points with its somewhat dull appearance, Alfa Romeo can work on a better driving position.
Finally, we also drive the Audi Coupé S2: an impressive driving machine. With its 20-valve engine, turbo, permanent four-wheel drive and limited-slip differential, this Audi is a special car. The Coupé only needs 6.2 seconds to get from 0 to 100. Mighty figures for the time!
Reports
Due to the huge amount of tests, there is little room left for reports. The price list also comes into play here: all prices are stated in a special appendix. The document is 18 pages thick and describes every version of every car. As a result, the price list of the Opel Kadett already counts one whole page in the magazine and the Ford Escort is also well represented.
In the section of used cars there is still some space left for a used Citroën BX: what should you pay attention to? The Frenchman, for example, does not like the rust devil. Incidentally, the hydropneumatic suspension system appears to work without problems after several years of loyal service.
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