By biskit
on 2nd Mar 2007
biskit's Ratings| Year Manufactured | 2005 |
| Length of ownership | 1 Year |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance | 8/10  |
| Practicality | 8/10  |
| Reliability | 10/10 |
| Value for money | 7/10  |
|---|
| Overall value | 8/10  |
biskit's recommendation |
Good Points
Funky-looking car from the front. Driving position good, seats supportive for size. Feels like a bigger car than it is. Engine is a little gem - it lacks the torque even at high revs when pulling up motorway hills with a full load, but changing down gives all the power you need - 70mph is well within the reach of 3rd gear. Gearbox well designed, light and with good ratios. Around town, the car is nippy and fun to drive. Rear seat access is good on five-door.
Bad Points
Looks a bit insignificant from the rear, with narrow wheels and relatively wide track. Electric steering assistance is the worst feature of the car, in my opinion: the feedback is irregular. Electric cornering assistance is not obvious. Very thin body panels mean considerable road and wind noise at speed. 'Sport' package a bit of a con - slightly wider tyres might be an idea, but then fuel consumption would suffer. Boot is small, but you need to remove the shelf when loading or unloading, as it is very light, not well anchored and catches on cases or bags. Rear seat headroom is limited for tall people. Seat squabs do not fold up - only the seat backs tip forward, so you do not get a flat load space.
General Comments
Fuel consumption is a steady 55 mpg almost regardless of driving style, which is good but rather less than advertised. Most suitable for two people plus luggage - three plus luggage is hard work.