A Hot Little Honda

A mini mobile that's sure to prove popular with city drivers is the Honda Scamp, which will soon be available at Fairway Services Ltd. Like most Japanese-made vehicles, the Honda has numerous features which would be extras on many other cars. These include a heater and demister; a 1/4 inch protective steel plate under the sump and transmission; underseal; windscreen washer; twin mufflers; full-flow ventilation, an extractor in the boot to keep that section dust-free, and stainless steel trim.

The peppy 354 cc engine (now don't laugh) develops 31 b.h.p. and can push the little bus along at 75 mph, if you're that way inclined, or you can cruise at a comfortable 55 mph. Designed on the power units of the successful Honda motorcycles, the Scamp's engine is almost as economical. If you can't get around 65 mpg something's wrong, and up to 76 mpg has been attained.

Surprisingly, the car has ample headroom and even tall drivers will find they have a few inches' clearance. Naturally the front seats are adjustable, but an unusual feature for a mini car is that the front windows wind up, and it has opening rear windows.

Initially, a manual model will be available, but an automatic N600 model, which is proving the rage in Sydney, is on the way. The automatic model has a top speed of 85 mph and is, as you would expect with a 600 cc engine, slightly more peppier all-round. And slightly more expensive. Both engines are air cooled and sealed throughout — the motor oil lubricates the transmission and gearbox.

The N360 model Scamp will sell for $1920 and the N600 for about $2100.