The compact front-wheel drive hatchback Plymouth Sundance has been manufactured at the Chrysler corporation factories in Sterling Heights (Michigan) and Toluca (Mexico) since August 25, 1986. It was assumed that the car will compete with such well-known compacts like the Ford Escort, Honda Civic and Geo Prizm. The predecessors of the model were Plymouth Turismo and Plymouth Horizon, and the similar ones were Dodge Shadow and Shelby CSX. At the base of the car’s design, the time-tested platform K was located. Despite the fact that the model looked like a sedan, in fact it was a hatchback.
Sundance could have both 3-and 5- door 5-seater body, the dimensions of which for the version of 1987-1989 were 4361/1709/1339 mm, and for cars of 1990-1994 of release - 4364/1709/1349 mm with wheel base 2464 and 2469 mm respectively. The track of the car was 1460/1455 mm. The curb weight of the 3-door Sundance is 1,183 kg, and that of the 5-door, 1,199 kg. The standard luggage compartment volume is 375 liters, with the rear seat back folded forward - 945 liters. Minimum ground clearance - 120 mm.
Structurally, Sundance continued the tradition of Plymouth cars with a sporty "bias", although its interior was designed rather for comfortable movement. In 1989 (for cars of the 1990 model year), the appearance of the car was upgraded: the grille and optics were changed. Initially, the production of Sundance consisted of only one basic configuration, but since 1990, the production of “charged” RS versions began, the equipment of which included turbocharged engines, fog lamps, a leather steering wheel, a modern audio system and tinted windows. Since 1991, the basic configuration has improved and has been divided into two levels: the initial America and the “middle” Highline.
They included electric windows, central locking, electric rear-view mirrors, cruise control, a radio tape recorder, a sunroof, a height-adjustable steering wheel, a rear window heater, electric driver’s seat adjustments and fog lights. It should be noted that Sundance was the most affordable in its class for the American market in those years. In 1992, the release of the RS version was discontinued due to the appearance of the Sundance Duster version, on which a new powerful V6 3 l engine was installed. Among other features of the Duster equipment, you can highlight special alloy wheels and original interior parts.
The range of engines installed on the Plymouth Sundance included 4-cylinder 8-valve mono-injection petrol 2.2 l (93 hp, 165 Nm), 2.2 l Turbo (146 hp, 230 Nm), 2 , 5 l (100 hp, 183 Nm), 2.5 l Turbo (152 hp, 251 Nm) and 3-liter V6 Mitsubishi 6G72 (141 hp, 232 Nm). As can be seen from the technical characteristics, the power plants were designed to develop impressive torque with a relatively small amount of horsepower. They were installed in front transversely. With a baseline 2.2-liter engine, the Sundance developed a maximum speed of 170 km / h, spending 7 liters of AI-92 gasoline on the highway and 12 liters in the city; consumption of 2.5-liter engine 8 l and 14 l, respectively.
The turbocharged 2.5 liter engine made the car 30 km / h faster, burning 9 liters of gasoline while driving on the highway and 16 liters in the urban cycle. Finally, the 3-liter version with distributed injection allowed to accelerate to 190 km / h, the consumption of AI-92 was 9 liters and 15 liters (highway / city). Motors aggregated with 5MKPP, as well as 3-speed A413 TorqueFlite or 4-speed A604 automatic transmissions. At Sundance used gear-rack steering with power steering. In the suspension front and rear wheels used coil springs. The front brakes were ventilated disc, rear - disc. The size of standard tires is 185/70 R14.
The active safety system provided for the availability of ABS and Brake Assist in the base configuration. In 1990, according to stricter requirements, the car was equipped with a driver's airbag, and in 1994, a seat belt with an automatic tensioner was also installed for the front passenger. According to the 1993 NHTSA test, Sundance received the highest marks and was recognized as the safest car of the year.
Roomy enough, with an attractive design and reliable power units, practical and balanced in performance, the Plymouth Sundance was popular until the end of its March 9, 1994 release.
