Faults:

In 48000 miles, in only 13 months. The only problems have been:

Windscreen wiper working loose.

Repeated failure of front sidelight/headlight bulbs.

General Comments:

The car is excellent value for money, there just isn't any other car with such a high spec. available at this price.

The performance is good, and I have been surprised at the quality of build and the reliability.

The dealer support has been good.

The one thing that lets the car down is comfort and lack of space, the cabin is very cramped. The rear seats are very small and the access, via the folding front seats, is not at all easy.

I believe that the new model is considerably roomier.

Faults:

Well, where to start?

I bought the car brand new. It looked cool and was pretty fast. 153hp for 01. Then stuff went wrong.

First I noticed that there was a slight buzz noise that came from the dash at 3000 rpm. This buzz has now become the most annoying noise in the world because it constantly buzzes from 3500 to 3000 (shift point).

I crashed it once (only rim and steering damage), then 5th gear started grinding when I shifted into it. The dealer repaired it saying that they would replace all of the gear's synchro mesh and sliders (cause of grinding), but when I picked my car up and looked at the invoice they only replaced 5th gear. Now 3rd gear is starting to go.

The steering wheel also shakes when it is idling at 800 rpm not 900 rpm. Now I have to take it back again, to the dealership and have them replace everything.

I'll write a later review after I have a service done to it, as of 2/9/02 I want to pour gas in it and set it on fire.

New car, 17k, runs like my 86 Isuzu Trooper with 225876 miles on it.

General Comments:

Quick.

Nice looks.

Nice interior.

Crappy tranny.

Faults:

Basically it is down to poor build quality and the subsequent two efforts of the franchise where the car was bought, that have failed to put it right.

General Comments:

Looks great, but the 1.6 engine is poor and doesn't do justice to the design of the car.

Faults:

Problems with the immobiliser key.

Rear wash wiper came loose (No PDI check?).

Persistent trim rattles at low speed.

General Comments:

Fantastic styling for the money, looks like a 25k car and attracts a lot more attention than a Puma.

Fully independent suspension and Porsche tuned chassis make this the best handling car I've ever driven. No body roll whatsoever.

Acceleration is fairly sluggish but pulls well in 5th, marred by a heavy body, the 2.0 isn't that much quicker but this car is more about style and individuality than it is about performance.

Gearing is too short at 20.5mph/1000rpm, but the 16 valve engine is keen and smooth at high revs so cruising isn't a problem. Too much road noise for this class of car.

Power steering is heavily weighted and gives good feel round corners. Limitless grip from 205/15 Michelins.

Very solid feel to bodywork and switchgear. Very low sporty driving position.

Rear seats useless if you are over 5.6, but if that matters to you, go and buy a Vectra!

Looks its best in silver, blue or black. Looks dreadful in light green. Aircon, alloys and metallic essential.