BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 1st Aug 2003
POWERED by a lively 1.6-litre, fuel-injected, 16-valve engine, the Feroza is a good performer with precise steering and reasonable handling, although the ride is choppy. Well equipped, it has good underbody protection for off-road work but the seating is cramped in both front and rear. Available in soft top and wagon.
SUZUKI SIERRA 2D HARDTOP (1989-1999)
THE Vitara’s plain-Jane relation, the Sierra, is basic but good value. Powered by a 1.3-litre engine, it has good ground clearance and wheel travel. A soft top version is available. Ride and handling suffer from the basic leaf spring suspension.
ASIA ROCSTA 2D SOFT TOP (1993-1994)
A RELATIVE newcomer to the market, the two-door soft top Rocsta has 1940s Jeep styling and is more at home off-road than in town. Powered by a Mazda 1.8-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel with five-speed gearbox, the low speed torque is good. Leaf springs give a harsh ride and steering is heavy.
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2D WAGON (1988-1992)
DEVELOPED from the Navara, the Pathfinder has an outdated 2.4-litre petrol engine driving through a five-speed manual gearbox - no auto was available. The interior is comfortable and the ride very good due to coil springing all round. A sluggish performer, lacking power in some off-road situations.