1995 Citroen AX Forte review from UK and Ireland

Passenger side drive-shaft started knocking at 53,000 miles

Manifold gasket went at 59,000 miles

Alternator belt wore out at 59,000 miles

Wheel bearing went at 55,000 miles

Brake lights stopped working when I drove the car home at 51,000 miles.

This car is fantastic, had a 1.1i Echo before that had done 115,000 miles and that was also great.

The forte has all the kit of the GT/Gti without the insurance. Its only group 6 so its cheap for most. Mine has a rev counter, electric window, remote central locking, a bodykit, spoiler and alloys. The seats are well bucketed and the trim is good.

Having used the car daily I am over the moon with it, it handles perfectly (helped by the Pug 106 suspension and Saxo VTR alloys I have) but it was good before. The ride is a dream. Really smooth and secure on all roads including motorways

Performance is spot on, 0-60mph in just over 10 seconds if you drive it correctly. It never fails to impress me, the extra 5 bhp (now upto 60bhp) from my old car makes all the difference. The engine is smooth and quiet most of the time.

Beware of the bodykits, they fade a lot especially in red like mine, I decided to spray mine and it looks great again now. My previous car had a smoothed kit, but I couldnt be bothered this time.

The fuel consumption on this car (and my previous one) has never been great, I drive rapidly and manage to get 300 miles out of a tank (around £27).Which I think could be better!

On the whole the AX is a legend, I will most likely upgrade to a GTi next year. The only people that complain about them are the people who have never driven one daily or dont understand what its all about. Basic, cheap,fast and fun motoring