Motoring Editor MALCOLM BAYLIS takes a look at at four new models. NEW car news this week features four very different sets of wheels, from family-sized to fast and furious.
Out now is Chrysler's latest people carrier, the Voyager Touring, a new special edition multi-purpose vehicle that brings luxury touches to the car.
It has been given sunscreen glass, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a six-speaker CD sound system, plus a leather-clad steering wheel with in-built audio controls.
The Voyager Touring also comes with a choice of engines - a four-cylinder 2.4-litre petrol unit, delivering 145bhp, or a 2.5-litre common rail diesel pack, which provides 141bhp of power.
With security and safety in mind, the Voyager Touring has standard four-wheel anti-lock braking, front seat belt pre-tensioners, front side airbags, side impact protection guards, and a "smart key" immobiliser.
To put the family in a Voyager Touring will cost £18,795 for the petrol version, and £19,995 for the diesel.
Later this summer, the restyled Fiat Barchetta sports car goes on sale in this country, and will be a whopping £2,800 cheaper than the previous model, at £10,995 on the road. The price cut is not the only good news.
The Barchetta boasts a load of extra standard equipment, which includes a passenger airbag, CD player, foglights, electrically-operated door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gearknob, and an electric aerial.
It is mechanically identical to the previous model, and still built in left-hand drive only.
Power comes from Fiat's 16-valve, twin overhead camshaft 1.8-litre VVT engine, which produces 130bhp. Top speed is 124mph, with 0-62mph acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
Finally, there is a pair of Pugs to be reckoned with. The fabulous Peugeot 307CC (Coupe/Cabriolet) goes on sale in late September. The coup/cabriolet has an electric folding steel roof, and four full-size seats. Rear occupants, say Peugeot, can sit in good comfort.
The drop-top retains all the space, safety and handling elements of the 307 hatchback, as well as being a leap forward in terms of style and technology.
Also going on sale shortly is Peugeot's hot-hatch 206 GTi 180, which continues the rallying and GTi pedigree of its predecessors.
Updated: 12:31 Friday, June 20, 2003
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