1996 Fiat Tempra TD SX review from UK and Ireland

Heater Plugs Gone When I First Picked Up Car.

Oil Leak From Oil Cooler.

No Charge From Alternator (after about 5,000 miles) Turned Out To Be A Blown Light For The Alternator Warning Light In Dashboard!

I ummed and erred when I first saw the Tempre, but I fell for it once I sat inside.

The seats were comfortable, even if a bit on the dark side, the electrics worked and the digital dash? I though I was on the Starship Enterprise!!!

After replacing the glow plugs myself (which was easy to do) the engine started first time, every time. Even though it had the usual diesel rattle when cold, but when warmed up, she was as sweet as a nut.

The clutch was nice and light, and gear changes, even in stop/start was easy to use. The chunky gear lever fell straight to hand and the dash was very clear to read. Even in strong sunlight hitting the digitals, it was still clear.

The engine, once you got it wound up past 2500 rpm, was potent, even though there was noticeable turbo lag at low revs in a high gear, this however took it's toll on the fuel consumption, which usually averaged about 35-40mpg. The turbo 'whizz' always brought a smile.

My first long trip in the Tempra, was plesant, and it covered over 600 miles in a day with ease, and I was comforted by the seats without any problems.

The turbo gauge (boys and their toys!), the warning lights for the doors/boot open, rear wash/wipe (on a 4 door saloon car), bulb failure warning lights and the ease of which you could get into the console to change bulbs (i.e. the heater console or radio change), and the headlight wash (which sprouted out from the front bumper) were nice touches.

The power steering was nice and light, and made easy work of parking, even if the boot was angled down from the high rear window, and the boot was huge. Plenty of space for luggage or pram.

The angular style may not be everyone's taste, but it was quirky.

This is a car I wish I could have a again, but they are quite rare.