Vehicle Reviews

Expert Road Test

Let's face it, a lot of the enjoyment we

get from a sporty-looking car is that people look at us driving...

1997 Eagle Talon Interior Review

Base Liftback
As good as it looks.

Interior

reviewed by New Car Test Drive

A sport coupe's sleek exterior exacts its price from the interior. All

of that cool, swoopy sheetmetal defines a passenger cell that is nothing

short of overstuffed when occupied by the maximum of four riders. It's

a problem that's inherent in all small sport coupes. The ideal solution:

operate the Talon as a spacious two-seater and use the back seat as a rear-mounted

package shelf. Front seat legroom, however, is plentiful.

The interior itself is as purposeful as the flight deck of the space

shuttle. The instrument panel reads at a glance, and the various controls

and switches are well lighted for nighttime operations. Everything needed

to operate the car is within the driver's reach, yet there's no appearance

of clutter.

Standard equipment quickly ratchets up along with the price for uplevel

renderings, but buyers of even the base cars can expect sport instrumentation

that includes a tachometer, speed-sensitive power steering, sport wheel

covers, tilt steering column, and dual remote (as distinct from power-operated)

outside mirrors.

Other important standards include dual airbags and side impact door

beams, a footrest for the driver's left foot, and a folding rear bench

seat permitting bigger cargoes.

Our basic tester was equipped with only a few options. In Midwestern

climes a rear window defroster is a bargain at $162. Air conditioning isn't

quite as much of a bargain at $860, but it's essential even in climates

that are short on warm weather and pays off at resale time. The only other

extra-cost item was the uplevel AM/FM four-speaker radio with digital clock

at $234. Next Page


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