trim and console. The new instrument panel houses a speedometer, trip odometer, and fuel level, oil

pressure, voltage and coolant temperature gauges. A tachometer is standard on four-wheel-drive models

and an option on two-wheel-drive XS models.

Interior appointments in the Hombre are about mid-level, but still offer sufficient creature

comforts. The cloth upholstery is nice and the sun visors have extensions to provide extra shielding

against the sun. Two additional 12-volt power outlets are provided to run cellular telephones, radar

detectors and other accessories.

Legroom and headroom for the driver and right-side passenger are good, except the passenger's foot

well has a hump that accommodates the catalytic converter. Still, front-seat room is generally roomy

and comfortable for all but the largest people.

In the back of the Spacecab is a fairly flat floor with only a slight center hump, so stowing

toolboxes or luggage should be easy. In the rear wall of the cab there's a handy compartment that

houses the jack and tools. Like the compact pickups from Chevy, GMC, Ford and Mazda, the side-facing,

fold-down rear jump seats are uncomfortable and awkward for adults and children. We prefer a simple,

forward-facing rear bench in extended cab pickups, even if they're small because even if not used for

people they make handy spots for briefcases and other items.