Techzle has been around for 30 years, which is why we look back every week at this week’s edition in 1990. As of today, Techzle 31 is in the shops with a trio test of the new Leon with the Focus and Corolla and a meeting of the new Hyundai i20 and many young timers. But what exactly was in Techzle 31 thirty years ago?
News
In the field of news, there is much to discuss in mid-summer. Various spy images end up in the mailbox. Take the first sign of life of the brand new Volvo 960. A top model that, however, only appears on the market in 1994. Or what about a mysterious Ferrari Testarossa that reportedly gets four-wheel drive for better (and safer!) Handling. There is also news on a smaller scale: Fiat supplies 52 Cromas, Tipos, Unos and Ducatos for the World Games for the Disabled and Mitsubishi joins forces with the Dutch Men’s Volleyball team. Fifteen players receive a Lancer Hatchback 1.5 GLXi at their disposal. Until the Games in 1992 (Barcelona) they will drive around in the Mitsubishi’s, lucky!
Tests
Where three somewhat peppery hatchbacks are now the focus of the trio test, cars of a different caliber were compared thirty years ago. Take the BMW 850i, Mercedes-Benz 500 SL and Porsche 928 GT. The BMW appears to be the best compromise, the Mercedes the most comfortable and the Porsche – how could it be otherwise – the strongest sporty person. It is entertaining to see the luxury with which the three distinguished themselves from the rest. For example, the BMW was one of the first to have a six-speed manual gearbox and the Porsche received electric seat adjustment with a button under the seat. The sporty leather seats from the 928 had an unparalleled surcharge of 12,861.99 guilders!
In another trio test with used cars, three cheeky Frenchmen turn up: the Citroën AX, Peugeot 205 and Renault 5. Quite a few quirks appear to occur in the three. For example, a third of AX drivers complain about the poor finish, 20 percent of 205 drivers complain about the brakes, and 36 percent of Renault 5 drivers complain about starting problems. So be careful!
Where Nissan in 2020 in Europe mainly of crossovers and SUVs, we send in 1990 with a completely different type of model: the Maxima. After the Honda Legend and Mazda 929, this is the third new Japanese in the big class. For the test, five test subjects with luggage are put in the sedan, resulting in a considerable lack of space in the back seat. Elsewhere in the world, however, Nissan still carries the Maxima.
Finally, we are also introduced to a small convertible from Poland: the POP 2000 convertible. This Pool is new in the Netherlands and is built by FSM and imported by AHCIMPO. Everyone sees, of course, that it is not a self-designed design: the base is clearly the Fiat 126 taken.
Reports
Due to the many tests, there is less room for extensive reports. However, we can visit the Lotus factory in England, one of the most outspoken Alfa Romeos is central to the Posterstory (SZ) and Techzle is doing a real international race. We drive to Francorchamps to join the 24 hours of the same name of Francorchamps. For the report, former speed demon Henny Hemmes drives the race in the 1600 cc class for 24 hours. It turns out to be a race full of excitement and suffering, in which even a dead person can be regretted. Of the 97 teams, only 27 teams reach the finish. Ultimately, Henny and her team complete 393 laps in the Honda Civic VTEC at an average speed of 125.3 km / h. Good job!
