Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (YA22S/YB22S). 2013 to date (prod. n/a). 5-door SUV. F/F, F/A, 998 cm³ (I3 DOHC), 1373, 1462, 1490, 1586 cm³ petrol, 1248, 1598 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC). SX4 grows up to challenge the Nissan Dualis (J10), with torquey 1·6. Well made interior, even if some of the materials felt a little cheap. Economical Fiat diesel. Stable handling, but with some suspension travel, as can be expected from this class. Facelifted in 2017. Japanese production to 2020.
Manufacturing locations: Esztergom, Hungary; China; India
Marque: Suzuki | Model: Suzuki SX4 | Predecessor: Suzuki SX4 (2005–16) | Successor: Suzuki S-Cross (2021–)
Chevrolet Firenza (HC). 1971–6 (prod. n/a; 100 Can Am). 2- and 4-door sedan, 3-door wagon, 2-door coupé. F/R, 1158, 1256, 2507 cm³ (I4 OHV), 4940 cm³ (V8 OHV). South African development of Vauxhall Viva (HC), with differences in badging and engine range. The 1·3 replaced the 1·2 in 1973, with the wagon deleted in 1974. Range featured a 2·5-litre four, but collectors cherish the 1973 Can Am V8, a homologation special with a Chevrolet Camaro (1970–81) 302 small-block, built to compete in South African racing and a rival to the Ford Capri Perana, costing R5,800 at a time when the next top Firenza was R2,700.
Manufacturing location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Marque: Chevrolet | Predecessor: Opel Kadett B | Successors: Chevrolet 1300, 1900, Chevrolet Chevair
Volkswagen Passat. 2018 to date (prod. 218,506 sold in 2019 in China only). 4-door sedan. F/F, 1395, 1798, 1984 cm³ petrol, 13 kWh–1395 cm³ electric–petrol hybrid (I4 DOHC). China gets its own Passat, distinct from European and US models, shown in 2018 for the 2019 model year. China’s best selling D-segment sedan in its first year, with its German image particularly appealing. Digital instrumentation: 10·2-inch panel in front of the driver, coupled with 9·2-inch infotainment screen. High perceived quality inside and out, though an average safety test result at C-IASI was of concern (high marks for pedestrian safety and vehicle-assisted safety, but a mere ‘good’ on crashworthiness and ‘normal’ on passenger safety).
Manufacturing location: China
Marque: Volkswagen | Model: Volkswagen Passat | Predecessor: Volkswagen Passat (2011–19)
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