Copyright 2000 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.
Chicago
Sun-Times
March 19, 2000, SUNDAY, Late Sports
Final Edition
SECTION: AUTO TIMES; IN
GEAR; Pg. 70
LENGTH: 668 words
HEADLINE: Sport wagons a new twist on SUVs
BYLINE: Nina Padgett-Russin
BODY:
Generally speaking, drivers don't want to buy
the cars their parents bought, any more than they want to wear the clothes their
parents wore. The first minivans offered buyers a practical alternative to the
station wagon by combining the same flexibility of cargo and increased passenger
space in a new package. A generation later, sport-utility vehicles did the same
thing, with an emphasis on active lifestyles and aggressive styling.
While SUVs continue to be a popular alternative to the wagon,
rising gas prices have new buyers thinking about other options,
including a new generation of sport wagons, as well as functional vehicles which
cannot be classified as cars, trucks, or anything else. The drivetrain of Saab's
9-5 sport wagon is typical of the current generation, offering both manual
five-speed or four-speed automatic transmissions with a 2.3-liter turbocharged
engine, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control. Accessories
geared toward active lifestyles include racks to accommodate bicycles, kayaks or
other odd-shaped cargo, pet accessories to carry dogs of all sizes in comfort
and safety, special wheels and low-profile tires. The Gary Fisher Edition
includes a limited-edition mountain bike, premium stereo, cooling box, and
12-volt power outlets. A sliding cargo shelf that holds up to 440 pounds makes
loading the tailgate easier, and there's a special tie-down system that can be
customized to meet the user's needs. Cargo capacity is 37 cubic feet with the
rear seat upright, and 72.9 cubic feet with the seat folded down.
Advanced safety technology appeals to buyers with families. The front
and rear structures of the wagon have three load paths to dissipate energy from
a collision, and a pendulum "B" pillar dissipates a side impact downward, where
the human body is less susceptible to injury.
The wagon has front and
side air bags, three-point seat belts with semi-automatic height adjustment, and
an active head restraint system to prevent whiplash.
Chrysler's PT
Cruiser, which arrives in dealerships this spring, packages the attributes of a
station wagon in a nontraditional format. The exterior, reminiscent of classic
hot rods, blurs the traditional lines between cars and trucks.
Functionally, the car is a "duffle bag" on wheels, with numerous
interchangable seating and cargo options. The PT Cruiser seats up to five
passengers. Because of its vertical emphasis, designers were able to use chair
height seating for comfort and easy access.
Doors open to 74 degrees to
ease entry, installation of child safety seats and loading cargo. A 35; 65 split
back seat can be folded or completely removed to increase the cargo capacity to
64.2 cubic feet.
The front seat folds flat, and there are 12-volt
outlets for plugging in a laptop. With the front seat folded, the Cruiser will
hold an 8-foot ladder with the rear hatch shut. In the rear, a cargo net holds
small packages in place and can be covered with a privacy shelf that can also be
set up as a table for a tailgate party. The shelf will support up to 100 pounds.
Not only does the car have child tethers and bottom seat attachments to
facilitate child safety seat installation, it also has theater-style seating.
The rear seats are higher than the front seats, making it easier for passengers
in the rear to have a clear view of the surroundings. There are four cupholders
(two front, two rear), a coin holder for commuters, numerous pockets and storage
trays.
Like the Chrysler minivans, the PT Cruiser comes with an optional
keyless entry and panic alarm. Side airbags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
and traction control are optional.
If an airbag deploys during a
collision, the dome light comes on automatically and the doors unlock.
The new generation of family cars appeals to buyers who don't want to
surrender their youthful image for practicality. Vehicles such as the 9-5 wagon
and PT Cruiser will transport a family with cargo safely, and in style.
LOAD-DATE: March 22, 2000 
