Faults:

In-Warranty: front doors rattled.

In-Warranty handbrake failed - charged for re-adjustment, told it was not part of the warranty.

July 2009 (1 month out of warranty) - handbrake failed, linkage replaced, cost £282.89. Mileage 42,439.

December 2009 - gear shift mechanism seized. New mechanism fitted, cost £363.40. Mileage 47,478.

February 2010 - Fly wheel broke, damaging clutch slave cylinder. Being repaired as I write. Estimate cost of repair £1200.

General Comments:

Very unreliable mechanics.

Appears to be designed to fail after the warranty period.

Faults:

SID flickering - fixed under warranty.

Lumbar support broke - fixed under warranty.

Rear alu sport combi tailgate had corrosion from poor paint finish - fixed under warranty.

Engine has a Hirsch map, it had to be re-Hirsched due to over boosting - under warranty.

Driver's seat doesn't wear well. Lots of rattles from door cards and rear tailgate. Fixed under warranty. I've managed to fix most myself..

General Comments:

Previous cars I've owned are a Mondeo ST220 (226PS) and currently also own a 2001 XKR with the Supersport pack (Brembo, retuned CATS, steering etc).

The car is generally quite quick in the low to mid range. 275bhp with 300lb/ft at 2000 RPM, and 90% of that available from 1500 RPM makes for effortless acceleration.

It is faster than the ST220, but definitely not as stable as the ST220 on autobahns at 100-140mph or as nice to drive. I also have the Hirsch upgraded brakes fitted as well, which still aren't great.

IMHO the car is let down by poor interior build and an overly stiff suspension.

A good car let down by cost cutting.

Fuel consumption is good though. I easily get low mid 30s at UK motorway speeds.

Faults:

Rattles from dashboard.

2 new dash air vents.

Roof lining replaced due to a cable tie wearing a hole in it.

General Comments:

Good to drive for a convertible, quick, quiet, needs 2 new tyres at 13000 miles. nice colour.

Faults:

Drivers door speaker slightly loose. Tightened up and sounds great again! No rattles.

That's it.

General Comments:

I read a few reviews on here about the build quality and rattles, seats being uncomfortable etc etc, and couldn't disagree more! I have done over 12,000 miles in the car, and had no issues at all really!

The seats are the best I have sat in, and are comfortable on very long journeys too. I think these people who can feel the metal subframes through the seat have weight issues!

The car performs very, very well, with over 50 MPG economy and very good acceleration, cruising ability and refinement.

The ride/handling balance is spot on, comfortable yet fun to drive harder when the road gets twisty.

Standard equipment is excellent. I love the very good dual zone air-con, and find the cruise control very useful and relaxing for long journeys. The audio is very good, and I can plug my iPod in the front.

The leather still looks like new, as I had the car protected inside and out with Superguard, which seems to have made a big difference in the durability of the materials and paintwork!

The 6-speed gearbox is notchy, but people moan about that, why? It has a positive and mechanical feel that doesn't spoil the fun of driving, it actually adds to it!

The dealer I use is the best I have ever been to. They are the 2nd best dealer in the country and it shows with the service. I would recommend Bell and Colvill in West Horsley to anyone!

I recommend this well made, fun, practical, good looking, good value, stylish, individual car to anyone.