They stopped the production of the Vauxhall VX220 2.2i Sports Car earlier this month, so you can now only buy it second-hand.

Any search engine will point you to the VX220 forum which is full of drivers suffering engine control unit problems after a year of ownership. Vauxhall are well known for producing reliable engines, unfortunately their electronics are not so robust. The rear mounted engine is exposed through a grill inviting rain and snow to get into the wires and the engine. With no electric windows, air conditioning or roof, you would think there wasn't much to go wrong with the car. But most cars leak in the rain (unless you paid £1500 for the optional hardtop), heater controls fall off and boot release mechanisms fail.

It is a beautiful car to look at, but the paint was licked onto the bodywork. Those buyers (who including myself) who didn't purchase helicopter tape or other protective measures, found hundreds of stonechips after only a few drives.

The handling and performance are great. Comfortable seats, spacious environment. But every hot hatch driver wants to race you. You attract angry looks from pedestrians who think you are speeding when you are not. I constantly found things being thrown at the car (e.g. spitting, cigarettes, food) or left on the car when parked.

Finally there are the vauxhall vx220 dealers. Poor service, waiting list of weeks for parts and lack of knowledge about the vx220 has lead to many mistakes, damage and fustration as an owner. If you are going to buy a vx220, go to an independent vx220 servicer. There are a few which have been appearing recently.