| It drives very well. It's a very basic specification, | | | | arrives at 3300rpm although there is plenty to |
| but extremely functional layout. Interior is dark, | | | | play with before that. It delivers power smoothly |
| but there is a sound logic to it when night time | | | | from there on in hitting it limiter at about |
| approaches, as well as in the day. You feel part of | | | | 5400rpm. In isolation, it goes well and if driven well |
| the car rather than just "in" it. Controls are well | | | | can hold its own at 70-90 mph motorway speed. |
| weighted although you know do notice its weight, | | | | Full throttle not always necessary to make |
| which is no bad thing and adds to the feeling of | | | | progress and upon changing gear it falls straight |
| being at one with it. Steering can be slightly vague | | | | into the pool of torque. |
| just off centre, but turning into the lock has | | | | It is however very easy to spin the front wheels |
| adequate feel. The driver seat is comfortable and | | | | in wet of damp conditions, can torque steer if not |
| there is and airy feel to the cabin no comp. I am | | | | careful in first gear. It takes a while to get used |
| 6 ft 4 and am extremely comfortable in it. Rides | | | | to the gear change, but you get used to it, it |
| well and has a quality feel to it. The car handles | | | | inspires confidence. This car, although somewhat |
| good up to 7 tenths, although can lean at | | | | slated and underrated in recent years has a good |
| extreme angles. More than adequate for most I | | | | blend of elements to it and I think the lack of |
| would say. | | | | ultimate power is a minus, but again on our tight, |
| The 1.8 8v engine is pretty good, with a sound | | | | twisty roads the short gearing makes up for it. |
| similar at idle to a GTI 2.0, pretty meaty. Good | | | | Fuel consumption is good about 35mpg and its |
| low down torque and very easy to drive at less | | | | burbling idle adds a bit of character. Boot space |
| than 30 mph. At A-road speeds it is excellent for | | | | dissapointing as well as the standard security. All in |
| what it is requiring no gear changes at all in traffic | | | | all, a very good example if you buy a decent |
| flow. This car will pull happily from 10-15mph in | | | | MK3. It has one owner for 8 years and was a |
| 3rd, 25mph in 4th and 5th gear from 30mph | | | | company car before that, full service history and |
| upwards. The manufacturers claim of 106 lb/ft | | | | all stamps. |