Rancho to the r4 mikes Igo
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CHRYSLER has announced the Rancho, its answer to the Range Rover, which will be shown at the Geneva Show for the first time.
The new model is based on the Simca 1100 and uses the floor pan which has been lengthened and strengthened.
The body incorporates steel panels at the front end, and glass fibre reinforced polyester at the rear mounted on a metal frame.
Seating capacity for five people is included with an option for two more when an extra rear facing seat is fitted. There are two doors at the front and a split tailgate at the rear.
When the rear seat is folded in the down position the load area is 2.1m (7ft) in length.
The Chrysler Alpine 1442 cc engine, which produces 60 kW (80 bhp) at 5,600 rpm, and gear box is used to provide the vehicle with a top speed of 145 kmh (90 mph).
A fuel consumption of 8.82 lit/100km (32mpg) at steady 96kmh (60 mph) is claimed.
Torsion bars combined with anti-roll bars are utilised in the suspension which has been developed from that used on the Simca 1100.
Servo assistance via two independent brake circuits is provided to the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Traction is attained through 185 x 70 tyres on 14in wheels and the Rancho is claimed to be able to cope with snow and mud even though it is without the benefit of four-wheel drive.
Production has started at Matra's factory at Romorantin and will initially be available in France, but is expected to be introduced into the UK next year.