Motoring TWO GOOD CARS THIS week I have two quite
exceptionally interesting cars to discuss, the new 14 Rover and the new ill-litre (nominal - 12-h.p.) Riley called the Sprite-Kestrel. There is no sort of resemblance between them except in the cubic capacity of their engines, and while they probably both appeal to a good many types of motorists they are plainly designed to attract two quite different classes. They only come togethei in this review because they were tried one after the other and because the pair took my special fancy.
The Riley (" Kestrel " is a design of bodywork—" Sprite " an engine-classification) is that rare thing, a very fast medium- powered car that sits down on the road like a big one. Plenty of light cars have admirable road-holding today and stick to their job at a mile a minute like glue, but very few of 12 rated horse-power do their work at 8o like this new Riley. The value of high speed is always a matter of opinion. I esteem it not so much for its own sake as for the comfortable feeling you have of having plenty in hand. A fast car is one of the nicest machines to drive at a moderate speed. A fast car need never be hurried. At a good deal over 70 I never had to hurry this Riley.
That was one of its likeable qualities, and one I appreciated rather specially on a long week-end run I had with the car after my standard test, but I suppose the outstanding one was that road-holding. Taking the Riley round familiar bends at high speeds became a real joy—childish, if you like, but why not ? Some cars are made to be enjoyed with all the abandon of childhood, and this is one of them. -You could put that car round a bend at 6o miles an hour with the same ease, confidence and comfort as you could at 3o.
There were things about the car I would have changed if she were mine, but you can say that about every car in which you take real interest. The body is too small for my inches, particularly in the back, but then I have little use for the fashionable sports type of coachwork. Here and there I would alter things not because they are unsatisfactory as they are but because I prefer them different. To show what I mean,
I would rather have a plain gear-box. The pre-selective box on the Sprite is as good as any I have driven, which is saying a good deal, but I happen to like the old type better. That is of interest to nobody, and I only mention it because I like the car. I thought the steering a shade heavy, par- ticularly at slow speeds, but I liked its steadiness at high speeds. I liked everything else.
Whether the real maximum speed is So or not does not matter much. I found it very easy to get well beyond 70 and, what was of much greater importance, to keep her at 6o indefinitely. This meant that one travelled lightly at half-throttle, making a really high average. Nearly 6o on third and 4o on second are attainable at maximum revolution- rate, Which is about 5,000 a minute.
The bore and stroke of the four-cylinder engine are 69 by too, the usual measurements of the ri-litre. It is of the familiar Riley design, with its overhead valves operated by two camshafts. Two S.U. carburettors are fitted and it is only just to remark that they started from icy cold practically instantaneously after two nights in an unheated garage with a blizzard raging most of the time. I was much impressed, as well as relieved. I have no affection for the domestic kettle 'of boiling water nor for any of the other nostrums tried for reluctant starting. At high speeds these two car- burettors—or possibly the induction-design—set up a slight " roar," but as by then you are going pretty fast the noise does not worry you. The gear-box is quiet on the higher ratios, the engine is almost inaudible at normal speeds, the suspension is excellent and the brakes reliable, in the proper sense of the word. The finish is first class.. It costs. £398.
The new Rover is an improved edition of the 14 which has made so enviable a name for itself (with its to and 12-h.p. fellows) during the last four years or more. The chief change, I gathered, is in the new three-point engine-suspension which is said to correct all vibration. Perhaps it does, but my recollections of the Fourteens of the past three years are that the original method had already achieved that At all events, there was no perceptible tremor at any speed. I don't think I remember a smoother-running engine at anywhere near the price. In point of fact, it is so silky that one is apt to underestimate • its• performance. Several times I suspected the speed-indicator of optimism, but later was convinced that the error, •if any, was insignificant and not always in favour of the car.
That unobtrusive liveliness is the main attraction of this car, but the general comfort follows it closely. The body is a very good one, of first-class workmanship and finish, with plenty of room in front and behind. I still think the front seats a little too shallow, and I detected a draught round one's feet in the driving compartment. It was a bitter winter's day and we had all the windows tightly shut. Those were the only criticisms I had to make.
The quoted speed of the Rover is 72 miles an hour. We 'reached something a little better than 65, but I daresay the higher figure is achievable in easier conditions and with time to work up to it. Fifty is the normal maximum on third and 55 is a really comfortable cruising speed. The acceleration is excellent and a very high average speed can be maintained. To this the springing and road-holding must contribute a good deal. Both are very good and, with the steering, which is one of the best points of the car, make driving a great
pleasure. have always liked the way these modern 'Rovers go and the latest example is just as good as the old ones. It has a delightful long stride, an unhurried speed which is very restful. You get over the ground swiftly and noise- lessly. The freewheel is still fitted and in the open country I used it with relief. It makes crash gear-changing impossible, but even, when it is locked out of action it is difficult to mess a change. The brakes are specially good.
The luggage accommodation is good and the car his really beautiful lines. A car of great charm and obvfouily high [Note.—Readers' requests for advice from our Motoring Correspondent on the choice of new cars should be accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope. The highest price payable must be given, as well as the type of body required. No advice can be given on the purchase, sale or exchange of used cars.]
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