Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 238: An Early Christmas Gift We're Thankful For

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 238: An Early Christmas Gift We're Thankful For

Having just returned from a Thanksgiving vacation in Europe covering three different cities (Zurich, Prague, and Amsterdam, in that order), I'd like to show you another challenge entry, which you can find here:

Above, from top: The 1982 KMA KX2 may be small and light (on power), but it was designed to leverage it in the best possible way in all situations.

The car in question is the 1982 KMA KX2 1.6 - a small, light, analog machine of the kind I rarely saw in Europe (mainly due to my visit taking place during late fall/early winter - I even saw snow on some days), and in an increasingly complicated, tech-heavy motoring world, a highly refreshing tonic had it existed in real life. And just like my previous challenge build, this one comes with Beam export cameras at the hood and driver's side eye level.

Why, then, do I consider this build an effective antidote to the bloat that has plagued the car industry for a decade? For one, at less than four meters long and with a width of under 1.8 meters, it doesn't take up too much space on the road - perfect for the narrow, confined spaces commonly found in many European city centers and mountain passes. Also, with just 120 horsepower (from a 1.6-liter straight-four mounted transversely in the middle, revving to 7500 rpm, and driving the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox and helical limited-slip differential) pushing along 950 kilograms, it's surprisingly quick (0-60 mph in under 7.5 seconds), without being overpowering. Finally, with relatively narrow tires (165/70R14 front and 185/60R14 rear), it doesn't have too much grip for its drivetrain - the lack of power steering (also made possible by the low weight and those narrow tires) also helps.

Its softly-sprung all-strut suspension (chosen due to cost and space constraints) also works in its favor. While it retains a sporty driving experience, it still retains enough compliance to serve as a daily driver. Speaking of which, air conditioning and a tape deck come as standard, so you won't be sacrificing too many creature comforts, either. And with 4-wheel vented disc brakes, you'll have enough stopping power (and zero risk of fade) if you have to save yourself - and the car - from a sticky situation.

All in all, this would be a great way to venture into the world of mid-engined cars without throwing yourself into the deep end with an actual supercar or hypercar, and risking your license (and someone's life, especially your own) in the process. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas everyone!