In this special and yet convivial time it is all the more fun to get some nostalgia. As of today, Techzle 16 will be in stores including the first driving impression of the new Seat Leon and a first meeting between the brand new Polestar 1 and Lexus LC 500h, but what exactly was in Techzle 16 thirty years ago?
News
Exactly thirty years ago, a lot of news comes from the French corner. This is how Citroën presents the BX 4WD. “You can take the GTI 4WD with you to the dealer for 46,000 florins.” At Renault, a broom has gone through the delivery range of the 25 and many polluting engines are disappearing. These are replaced by cleaner ones that are fitted with a catalytic converter as standard. The first diesel versions for the Citroën XM claim the most space. The self-igniter finds its way to the XM in two ways: as D12 and Turbo D12. At the time we were allowed to send a week in both versions, with the fantastic Turbo being the favorite. With a converted range of 1,250 kilometers, we are pleasantly surprised for a car of this size with a weight of 1,390 kg.
Test
In the 16th Techzle we ever make, we treat ourselves to two tasty three-door coupes from Asia. The ‘new’ Nissan 300 ZX Twin Turbo wins points with perfect road holding by four-wheel steering, the Mazda RX-7 proves to be a gem and even makes it into a poster story. In that week’s double test, two strong but economical diesels compete against each other: the Volkswagen Golf Turbo Diesel and the Peugeot 309 XRD Turbo. Although both cars are more or less the same price (around 35,000 guilders), the Peugeot appears to be a lot richer equipped and the Frenchman is considerably faster and sportier. The Golf wins points with its finish and interior space.
Reportage
Where we now have the ‘Back to basics’ section for the website, we published a similar article in the magazine thirty years ago. The cheapest Mercedes-Benz 190 E is highlighted. The highlights: matt gray window frames, fabric door trim, simpler horn, weaker battery and a smaller radiator. Those are differences! Furthermore, we look at where buyers should look when purchasing a used caravan and the Utrecht car market is examined. Wild stories about brawls and ball-and-ball practices are circulating. Are they true? In some cases it turns out to be a grim world with rogue traders. So be careful, because before you know it, you have a stolen car at your door.
Advertisement
The Jeep Cherokee Limited: freedom with style. In 1990 he stands in the driveway for a mere 86,250 guilders (!). The Cherokee does have one four-wheel drive and luxurious amenities such as leather upholstery and air conditioning. Slightly less to spend? Two pages down is an advertisement of an Opel Kadett Caravan! “How much space do you give your family?” A workhorse with a lot of interior space, what else does a person look for?
