Faults:

Intermittent warning light concerning ESR switch.

General Comments:

This is my young daughter's car. I drive it only occasionally, however I have owned pretty much all the great hot hatches in my time.

The Loeb is a handsome, different looking little thing with its angular flanks and raked rise windows.

It's a city car sized, and while front occupants are well accommodated it is almost a 2+2, so small are rear seat footwells.

The dash and interior are interestingly designed, but plastics are scratchy quality and not nice to touch. All contact points are nice though with a cold allow gearknob and a lovely-feeling leather sports wheel.

Driving position is highly adjustable, and it's easy to get comfy. Seats are a bit squidgy for a sports car.

The engine fires up easily and the sweet clutch and easy gearchange make it fun to move away.

The ride is firm but supple, and the steering lightish but feelsome. It weights up nicely when cornering.

The engine, while not powerful at 125 BHP, is fizzy and willing. Thrash it mercilessly and the car snaps to attention and goes like stink. There is certainly a hint of Pug 106 GTi / Saxo VTS in the car's handling genes. It's the definition of old skool hot hatch.

It's not exactly a lightweight at 1100 kg, but feels light on its feet when driving.

All in all this is a bundle of fun without being scarily fast.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I was a bit concerned about getting a C2 VTS after I'd rad previous reviews on this site. However, I was quite happy with the test drive so I bought one - and I'm still happy with it now.

I'd considered the Fiest ST, but went for the C2 to save on petrol as I'm driving 116km daily. The gearbox isn't as solid as the Fiesta's, but I can live with it.

I'd say the car is 'nippy' but not fast. Then again, I'm used to motorcycles, so my opinion may be a little biased here. Like an inline-four motorcycle engine, the C2 1.6 engine needs to be wound up in order to give its best. Saying that, the engine can also be driven quite happily and easily at lower speeds; around town, for example. This was something that was quite important to me. I didn't want a rev-happy engine that was a pain to drive around towns.

Brakes are great. Then again, I think any small car with disc brakes all round would be.

The steering is extremely light.

Petrol consumption seems to be spot on what the official figures say.

You can fit more into this can than you'd expect. I've had a drum kit and a PA system in the car at the same time (using front seat and rear load area).

The gear lever needs the occasional shuv to go into reverse, but that's probably just me as I've had similar problems on other cars (even after coming to a complete stop and waiting a second).

The paintwork doesn't seem to be as good as some cars in the same price range, but that's not such a big deal to me. I had more paint chips on the C2 during a year's use than I did with previous cars.

But, all in all, I'm happy with the car. Ignore the comments about misaligned panels, etc. Just test drive the car and make your own mind up (as everyone should when buying a car).