TheMercuryNews.com's view

What does an auto writer do to escape the deadline pressure of a work week in Detroit?

Drive across the frozen plains of Ontario to visit that legendary winter hot spot, Buffalo, N.Y., of course.

I was there the same recent weekend that the Weather Channel sent a reporter to do live, hourly reports on the lake-effect snow blowing in from Lake Erie. Fortuitously for them, and maybe less good news for me, it turned out to be the fourth-worst snowstorm in Buffalo history. More than 21 inches of snow fell in a 24-hour period.

That much snow can be a beautiful, worrisome thing. Most people stayed indoors. A few cities banned driving. Luckily, the vehicle I was testing was up to the challenge. Rather than some upscale sport-utility or rugged four-wheel-drive pickup, I was in a minivan.

That’s usually not the best choice to battle 2 feet of snow, except that this vehicle was the all-wheel-drive version of Chrysler’s 1997 Town & Country LXi minivan. I saw lots of vehicles turning sideways and losing traction. I even saw a few abandoned cars.

But the van made nary a misstep. It provided plenty of grip on snowy and icy roads. Even in parking lots with deep piles of snow, the van wavered only momentarily before regaining its composure.

The all-wheel-drive system relies on viscous coupling that links the front and rear axles. Under normal conditions, up to 90 percent of the engine’s power goes to the front wheels. When they start to slip, however, the viscous coupling transfers as much power (up to 100 percent) to the rear wheels.

Unlike in many sport-utilities, there’s no buttons to push or gear to shift to engage the all-wheel-drive system. In fact, since no dash light comes on when all-wheel-drive is in use, most drivers won’t even realize it unless the vehicle rights itself in mid-skid.

How does this translate to California? Well, if your family considers skis and snowboards as essential as pizza and french fries, then the appeal of better traction is apparent. And all-wheel-drive would certainly boost a driver’s confidence during our winter rains. Still, Northern California buyers considering the all-wheel-drive option will need to figure out on which side of the cost/benefit fence they’re more comfortable.

My family (grandparents, aunt, cousin) in Buffalo complimented the smoothness of the van’s ride, noticed how quiet it was and praised it as a functional, comfortable choice.

That didn’t surprise me. From the first time I drove these redesigned Chrysler minivans in 1995, I knew they’d be a hit.

The news for 1997 is that an all-wheel-drive system is available for the first time since the 1994 model year. The system, which includes a load-leveling suspension and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, adds $2,275 to the price of the long-wheelbase Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models where it’s offered.

Speaking of price, Chrysler has had a stunning mar keting success selling the Town & Country as an upscale minivan. Once only pedestrian people movers priced about the same as a family sedan, the minivan segment now includes some upper-end models.

With all-wheel-drive, leather seats, a fourth door, 16-inch wheels and a CD player, this Town & County LXi cost nearly $35,000. That’s a stunning figure to many buyers. But, a market definitely exists. Town & Country sales increased 67 percent to 84,828 units in 1996.

Besides traction on this trip to the Great White North, what was important to me was space and heat. I had plenty of room to carry whatever I needed in the area behind the rear seats. The third seat moved forward easily to provide more space. The seats themselves — four captain’s chairs, and a bench in the third row — were comfortable. The heat and defrost systems — both front and rear — kept my windows clean and my body warm.

The T&C’s powertrain was Chrysler’s dependable 3.8-liter V-6 and a fou speed automatic transmission. The engine generates an adequate 166 horsepower. Gas mileage — I averaged around 20 mpg — is acceptable.

SPECS
What we drove: 1997 Chrysler Town & County LXi AWD minivan, an all-wheel-drive minivan with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission.

Base price: $33,740

Price as tested (includes options and delivery charge): $34,520

Curb weight: 4,447 pounds

Length: 199.7 inches

Turning circle (curb to curb): 39.5 feet

Standard features: Dual front air bags; four-wheel anti-lock brakes; remote keyless entry; fog lights; driver’s side sliding door; rear defroster and windshield wiper; power locks, windows and rear vents; load-leveling suspension; leather seats; dual-zone air conditioning; cruise control; leather-wrapped steering wheel; Infinity AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player; trip computer.

Options on test vehicle: Triple-coat paint.

EPA figures: 15 mpg (city), 22 mpg (highway)

Fuel: Unleaded