The
chassis and suspension package is again straight out of the Esteem with
only the front suspension being strengthened to account for the extra
weight of the engine. The entire Esteem package is now dated and that
also reflects in the underpinnings that can only be termed as average.
Ride quality is average at best and nowhere near what we have come to
expect from our cars these days. Relatively unbroken roads throw the
car all over the place and things can get quite uncomfortable in the
cabin. With the extra weight of the engine up front, chassis balance
is also lost and with the miserly 155/80 rubber, handling is but average.
Understeer is a constant companion and the front washes wide with just
a hint of spirited cornering. At speed, the Esteem gets quite nervous
and straight line stability does become an issue. To compound all this
it is the feather light steering that is great for driving in-town but
not so great on the highway. |