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Going for Entry Level?
There Are Plenty of Economical Choices
By Tony Whitney
One of the challenges of reviewing new vehicles is that manufacturers always want testers to drive and evaluate their top-of-the-line products. Quite understandably, they hope evaluators will go away with the best possible impression of the design and engineering skills built into a vehicle from the high end of the product range.
Be that as it may, weve recently been concentrating on vehicles at the entry-level end of the auto marketproducts that are generally built down to a price. Nonetheless, they offer surprising levels of technical sophistication.
The target for automakers anxious to snare a piece of the entry-level segment seems to be a $15,000 basealthough right now there are limited numbers of vehicles sneaking under that price point. However, those that do can be considered real bargains. They offer many of the same safety, convenience and comfort items common to cars three times the cost. And compared to a few years ago, there are no dogs in the market now, however low the price.
Fun to Drive
Auto buyersand especially fleet managersare more savvy than theyve ever been, partly thanks to the availability of vast amounts of automotive information on the internet. Cars that once sold quite well at low price points would probably never make it to first base now. A $15,000 sedan or hatchback is likely to be as much fun to drive and as durable and reliable as a model costing $30,000 or more. Its a pity there arent a few more products under that 15-grand benchmark, but well look at future possibilities later in this feature.
Our most recent research dug out nine cars that stickered out at less than $15,000 - a surprising number given the recent move by many automakers to concentrate on more expensive productslike upper end SUVs.
Bear in mind, of course, that prices quoted are manufacturers suggested retail prices. They do not include taxes, dealer prep, shipping or other costs that may be added on. Even so, some of these models may well be available at discounted prices or at the very low loan interest rates, an industry trend at the moment.
The major source of inexpensive cars seems to be Korea; but thats not always the case, as well see. Incidentally, many automakers leaveit to the last minute to set prices of products for an upcoming model year. Some prices quoted may be for the 2004 season, though it should be noted that few automakers these days use each new model year as an excuse for major price adjustments.
Interesting Aspect
Chevrolet offers its Daewoo-built Aveo models in sedan and hatchback form at $13,480 and $13,820, respectively. Its a fascinating aspect of the entry-level car segment that, in some cases, the hatchback version of a specific model is less expensive than its sedan sibling, and in others, the pricing is reversed. It could be that some automakers find it cheaper to build a hatchback while others find it a more expensive way of configuring a car.
Aveos come with a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, double overhead cam (DOHC) engine with 105 horsepowerwith 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions available. Hyundai also offers sedan and hatchback versions of its Accent model at $14,195 and $12,895. Like the Aveo, the Accent has a 1.6-litre DOHC engine, though horsepower, at 104, is marginally less. Accent is also sold with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions. Hyundais associate company, Kia, markets its little Rio sedan at $12,650. But the hatchback version of this model falls outside our $15,000 price point. Rio power comes from an engine thats related to that of the Accent and has the same configuration, capacity and horsepower. Transmission choices are similar too. For 2006 therell be a new Rio, but details were not available at press time.
Kias superseded 2004 Spectra, a little bigger than the Rio and more powerful, sold for under $15,000, but the 2005 model now arriving is a little higher, so it isnt counted among our nine bargain buys. Even so, its a product worthy of fleet consideration and only recently was awarded Car of the Year honours in the economy class by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Of course, add another thousand or two to our price limit and youll bring in all kinds of models worth a close lookand some of them represent amazing value.
Quality Improvement
A few years back, Korean products were viewed with some trepidation by fleet managersa scenario that often plagues newcomers to the North American auto market. Resale values associated with Korean vehicles were low and reliability ratings nothing to brag about. More recently, though, Korean automakers have been closing in on the type of quality and reliability standards long enjoyed by Japanese nameplates like Toyota, Honda and Nissan. In fact, recent ratings by the prestigious J. D. Power consumer research operation have placed Korean nameplates ahead of some of their more respected rivals. It shouldnt be too long before resale values of vehicles from Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo (which makes vehicles for GM and Suzuki) match those of key rivals.
Despite the recent successes of Korean products, it was a surprise to us that the Saturn Ion tested recently sold for just $14,625proving that North American manufacturers can market low-priced models if really they put their minds to it. The Ion uses a 2.2-litre DOHC 4-cylinder with a healthy 140 horsepower, so there are other reasons for going domestic with this model. Its also one of few cars in this class that offers optional side air bags. The Ion offers the usual 5-speed manual transmission in standard form, but the optional 5-speed automatic is another plus, compared to its competitors. This inexpensive Saturn probably deserves a lot more attention from fleet managers.
Suzukis Swift hatchback was new for 2004 and sells for $13,495. The one I tested was surprisingly peppy and offered roominess and practicality for its size welcome design features of several models in this market slot. Swift power is provided by a 1.6-litre DOHC four- cylinder engine boasting 105-horsepower. Buyers have the usual 5-speed manual/4-speed auto option. Also a bit of a shock was the discovery that both Toyotas Echo modelshatchback and sedanare priced at under $15,000. The hatch costs $12,995 and the sedan, $14,080. These Echo variants use a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre, DOHC engine developing 108-horsepower. Its impressive that Toyota, with its almost legendary reputation for durability and reliability, can offer products at these prices. It would be good to see Nissan and Honda following suit to give Toyota a tussle at that end of the market.
All the models Ive mentioned have one thing in common: they offer more refinement than youd expect at the price. Its true that none of them will outdo a Honda Accord, Ford Taurus or Toyota Camry in sophistication, but for their prices they give you a quiet, smooth highway ride, decent handling on winding roads and power levels that are certainly adequate for cars in this class. They all have comfortable seats and most come with a decent stereo system as standard. Several of the little hatchbacks are as much fun to drive on back roads as sporty coupes.
Short List
Although several domestic automakers have shown concept entry-level cars at auto shows, only the Saturn Ion makes our list as true sub-$15,000 domestic product (the Chevrolet Aveo being Korean in origin). DaimlerChrysler and Ford have played around with concept low-priced models aimed at the youth market in North America and wider spheres in developing countries.
Admittedly, there isnt much profit for manufacturers in the entry-level segment, but high volumes could make the exercise worthwhile. Perhaps a simple hatchback design featuring composite bodywork for lightness, an economical and responsive power plant, a roomy and practical interior and imaginative styling could sell in large numbers to fleets here if Ford or DaimlerChrysler took a run at this end of the market. With luck, something like that may be just around the corner.
Recent news from Nissan indicates that this automaker is about to take another look at the entry-level market and it would be good to see Honda, whose basic Civic costs over $16,000, fielding a product in the sub-$14,000 range like rival Toyota. Perhaps the upcoming auto show season will see some new entries in a market slot of vital interest to the fleet industry. fm
Tony Whitney is co-host of Ted and Tonys Inside Track on VTV, Speediviion and PBS, and Drivers Seat, seen Saturdays on Rogers SportsNet.
Market grows for roll-off trucks
By Howard Elmer
The heavy roll-off truck was once the exclusive workhorse of the scrap and refuse industries. But a good idea can always be adapted. So, with the emerging number of medium-duty trucks on the market and the proliferation of specialized companies, the evolution of the roll-off system continues.
One example of this continuing change to meet new market demands is Ontarios On-Trux company. Located in the small community of Ayr, just west of Kitchener, the inventive firm is busy putting just about everything on to a roll-off truck. This includes deluxe lavatories grand enough for garden parties, picnics and weddings.
The washrooms have been a hit and frankly it surprised us, says company president Craig Oliver as he describes the fully functional flush toilets and sinks in a tastefully decorated lockable structure that can be dropped anywhere as needed.
Turns out what people like the best about them is that they sit flat on the ground, no steps to climb, no trailer wheels to chock and once its dropped it looks like it belongs there, Oliver explains.
This is one of the quirks of a business where unexpectedly custom washroom rentals have been almost as big a hit as the roll-off system itself.
On-Trux has created 45 separate bodies that all fit the same standardized decks and rail system. So, in addition to washrooms there are flatbeds, stake and dump bodies, mobile offices, sander/salters, welding decks even ice fishing huts. In fact, once you grasp the idea it becomes obvious that what goes on the truck is limited only by your imagination.
Where did the the idea spring for interchangeable bodies? Oliver recounts that in the early 90s he was working with a welding truck on pipelines in Western Canada. It was a job which had a downtime of three months each year. One day when he and his father needed to borrow a truck to deliver a load of firewood, the elder Oliver remarked that their truck would be a lot more useful if they could easily remove the welding deck and replace it with a standard box. This spawned a concept and soon after they built their first roll-off for their own use. But others saw it and wanted one like it. Thats how the business started.
Easy Conversion
In the beginning the biggest problem was the lack of suitable medium duty trucks, but in the past few years General Motors has rejoined the market. Freightliner, Hino and even Peterbilt started building more medium duty trucks. But most importantly, these new trucks lend themselves to easy conversion because of their clean back-of-cab frame rails and reliable easy to operate transmissions and controls.
The heart of the On-Trux system is a twin-hoist hydraulic cylinder configuration. A winch at the head of the frame draws the body on/off and holds it in place. In addition to powering the roll-off system frame the hydraulics can achieve a raised angle of up to 52 degrees for work with dumps. A retractable pair of stringers (for adjusting bed length) also acts as the lead frame edge for switching bodies off and on. A dual set of controls (one outside and one inside) provides flexibility, safety and protection from the weather.
Everything on the system can be reused including frame rails and the hydraulics. So, once you own the system only the truck needs to change from time to time.
On-Trux fabricates the system to a single standard and will do installation at its shop. However, recently it has also started to sell the whole setup as a kit to customers who prefer to do their own installation.
Oliver says business has been coming from across Canada, but now, the concept is starting to catch on as well in the U.S. fm
Howard Elmer is a powersports writer and editor based in Brampton, Ontario.
Pickups provide plenty of choices
Bells and whistles give you lots of options
By Tony Whitney
If you buy a high-end pickup truck, itll come with all kinds of practical and cosmetic features. But even when topping a $50,000 price tag, theres a whole world of add-ons out there to enhance its usefulness.
Pickup owners are devoted buyers of aftermarket accessories, though the tastes of fleet managers obviously lean mostly towards practical additions rather thanmere cosmetic enhancements.
Of course, buyers have different reasons for exploiting the lengthy options list most pickup models boast. For some, its simply a matter of whats needed for demanding work duties, while for others, its a quest to create a truck that looks good too. For many businesses, vehicle appearance is a key tool in projecting the right image.
Either way, there are lots of choices in truck manufacturers options lists (some models include several hundred) but well look at some of the more popular add-ons typically offered by automakers dominating the truck market.
Essential Extra
One of the most utilitarian extras to order right from the start is a bed liner. If the truck is going to be subjected to any serious hauling duties, a bed liner is essential in preventing scratches to the paint finish which will eventually initiate rust. Bed liners are usually moulded from a composite material and are produced to fit specific truck models. Once installed, the liner will enable the buyer to load all kinds of normally damaging material into the bed without damageeven including gravel and broken concrete. When the time comes around to trade in the truck, a battered bed liner can be discarded and a pristine bed is revealed for the new owner. Spray-on liners are also available and at least one truck maker (Nissan) offers this as standard. Spray-on liners involve a thick layer of rubbery material that covers the bed and does much the same job as a moulded liner.
Interestingly, Chevrolet offers what it calls a Bedruga carpet-like material that helps protect easily-damaged loads like computers and office furniture. It will handle quite rugged cargos too and is moisture-resistent, according to Chevrolet.
Provide Security
Users who dont have to load their truck with large items on a regular basis often opt for one of the bed tonneau systems most makers offer. These tonneaus may be of pliable vinyl material or of lockable hard shell design. Either way, they protect loads from inclement weather and provide security (especially in the case of the hard units) for tools, maintenance equipment and similar items. The best of the vinyl units allow the tailgate to be opened without disturbing the cover and have metal frames clamped to the bed walls to prevent sagging when it rains or snows. Hard tonneaus usually raise on a pair of gas struts, much like a sedan trunk or an SUV rear hatch.
Cargo storage containers are another way of securing tools and other valuable items that just have to be kept under lock and key. Several truck makers offer storage containers, which may be constructed from composite material or metal and are usually secured to the bed up by the cab. At least one automaker offers an interior storage container which is detachable and can be carried from place to placeuseful for maintenance personnel. Moulded in colours to match vehicle interiors, its probably a good way of getting a little extra security when carrying valuables around on the truck.
In recent years several pickup manufacturers have introduced bed extender systems, usually made from tubular steel, which expand the cargo capacity of the truck simply by lowering the tailgate and flipping the extender over. This accessory is particularly useful for buyers of crew cab type trucks which often have a fairly short bed to keep the overall length of the vehicle within reasonable limits. If the extender cage is left in its foldaway position, it creates a contained cargo area which can sometimes be useful for bulky loads.
Easier Access
Of course, not everyone who uses a pickup truck finds it easy to climb in or out especially if larger wheels and tires have been opted for on full-size trucks. To help people of smaller stature, or perhaps older and less mobile users, truck makers offer a variety of side step and running board options. These units make it easier for anyone to hop up into the cab regardlessof height, using the grab handle just about all pickups have as standard. Side steps are usually fabricated of sturdy tubular steel and have textured rubber pads to prevent foot slippage. They also provide a premium look and dress up the truck nicely. Large numbers of Canadians suffer from lower back problems and these side steps canoften be a real benefit when it comes to avoiding injury-related employee downtime.
Truck manufacturers are always looking for new ways to win customers in what is the most competitive of all auto industry segments.
For 2005, General Motors is offering tent units that convert its compact pickupsGMC Canyon and Chevrolet Coloradointo rudimentary easy-to-setup campers. The tent sleeps two and even has a roll-out awning. It folds into a small pouch for carrying and to make the conversion complete, GM will sell you a matching air mattress.
While manufacturers of pickup trucks do offer huge rosters of accessories which can be opted for at the time of purchase, the aftermarket does a pretty wide-ranging job too. There are entire magazines (mostly from the U.S.) devoted to truck accessories and modification products and many of them are worth a look especially prior to a truck purchase. Manufacturers tend to lean towards practical modifications and sensible dressup add-ons, but aftermarket suppliers have no such restraints and offer all kinds of weird and wonderful pickup accessories, some of which may have fleet applications.
Certainly, life is never boring for a pickup buyer with an options list to work through and the whole business of truck accessories makes for one of the most fascinating of all automotive scenarios. fm
Tony Whitney is co-host of Ted and Tonys Inside Track on VTV, Speediviion and PBS, and Drivers Seat, seen Saturdays on Rogers SportsNet.
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