Faults:

Back brakes seized one day for a short while, then became free. When sent to the dealer in Enfield, they recommended replacing th whole back axle. And this was less than 10,000 miles after they replaced the brakes and cylinders before.

Only replaced the catalytic converter and exhaust 2 weeks ago (Aug '06) at 125,000 miles.

General Comments:

Has been very reliable at this mileage. Passed the NCT (D0E/MoT) with flying colours in 2005, and I am confident it will do the same in 2007.

Faults:

On two occasions I left the ignition in the '1' position after stopping for a minute or so and turning the engine off. On restarting the car the engine backfired and literally blew apart the inlet manifold. The engine would just run with the revs rising and falling and it limped a mile or so home. The dealer repaired the car both times, but never gave a reason for the fault. I guess the fuel pump was still delivering fuel and this collected in the induction side of the engine?

After 70,000 miles the drivers seat started to squeak and become difficult to tilt forward for rear seat access. At around 140,000 miles the seat became so bad that the metal frame broke and the mounting welded to the floor broke off. The main dealer would not repair the seat as they said it was not fair wear and tear! The car was my company lease vehicle and went back after 3 years with a loose drivers seat. I wonder if it passed it's first MOT like that?

General Comments:

Apart from the faults above the car was a fantastic drive.

Its cornering ability was superb probably due in part to the passive rear wheel steering.

The non-turbo engine delivered power throughout the rev range and without the lag associated with turbo engines.

The interior was very well designed and with optional leather was very attractive.

The automatic wipers were very useful, switching on when rain was detected.

I liked the fact that the car looked fairly bland and nondescript, some drivers had a shock when they ignored the subtle VTS badge.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

The interior of the car both front and rear doesn't look like anyone has ever been in it. Looks superb, drives superb, good visibility. Was apprehensive as to this make as I had never owned one before, but this car has definitely changed my opinion all to the good.

Faults:

2 tailgate bulbs blown.

Thorn tyre due to large pothole at around 16,000kms.

General Comments:

This car is excellent value for money, especially comparing its comfort, fun factor and road holding to cars of even more money value. Also even with factory sports suspension (lowered and harder shocks) and low profile tyres, ride is very comfortable and excellent in road holding.

Seats are extremely comfortable even for a long time in the car and very supportive too because of their Lumber support, specially the driver's seat which has extra adjustments.

Dashboard is well built and all controls are at hand including stereo remote which are in the steering wheel and are illuminated with the stereo on.

Faults:

Boot doesn't lock with central locking.

Buttons on steering wheel are faulty, causing the stereo to change stations by it's self which is rather annoying.

General Comments:

Performance is excellent, 167hp stock and can easily be modified to give over 200hp.

Steering has excelent precision, however it does tend to get knocked when going over bumps.

Brakes are good, but are very sensitive, and tend to lock up easily.

The suspension is sensational, rides like a true sports car, however on bumpy roads it does tend to crash into bumps very hard which is annoying.

When Starting the engine or shifting down a gear at high speed the exhaust rattles which is annoying.