General Comments:
I bought this car as a bit of fun and wanted to tow a jetski occasionally over the summer months. So far it has been a success. The car could do with a larger engine, but it goes fairly well for a 1.6 in an offroad car and revs eagerly all the way to the red-line. However, I seem to only get 32mpg at best on a long journey and about 27 worst in town driving. As for towing I've been faily impressed. It seems to manage the 450kg trailer with ease on the road. When going off-road and pulling it up pebble filled slip ways the 4wd system seems to work fairly well although could do with a center locking diff. It also seems to have enough ground clearance for what most people need. So far I've only got it stuck once, but that was with a 1 tonne trailer on wet grass so is understandable.
As for real world driving, it handles well and steering is good although fairly poor tyres (which are also expensive) are poor both on the road and off it for grip, but do seem to last a long time (28k and still going!). The front seats are fairly comfy too and its practical as long as you don't have children or pets to lug around. I can get a considerable amount of furniture in it!
I'm particularly impressed with the car in town driving. I can see above most traffic and the steering is very light in town (speed-sensitive). Its also very easy to park considering its no longer than a 3 door civic. However, its the motorway journeys its not so good with. It revs to high at anything over 60mph (70=3600rpm) although at 30mph it sits happily in 5th gear.
So overall, I believe this is a good buy if you want something that looks different and can do everything fairly well.
10th Jan 2010, 17:57
This is most useful, as I plan on spending some time in Lithuania, and was wondering what vehicle to buy, considering the winter may be harsh. I've made my mind on the Honda now, especially in the weeks when Britain is undergoing the worst winter in 30 years.