Faults:

Ignition leads, normal for its age.

Hatch badly rusted.

Headlight leaked.

Constant idling problems.

General Comments:

Really enjoyed owning this car, it was comfortable and very quick.

It had the original 1.6 injected motor, which was surprisingly economic, it returned around 32mpg on a regular basis.

The steering was heavy and clutch was difficult in stop start traffic, but was amazing to drive on open country roads.

Was very reliable in all the time I owned it. I used it mainly to commute to work, which was a 120km round trip.

Very comfortable seats, and large boot once the seats were folded down. While playing bass guitar in a band, I managed to fit in 2 large speaker cabinets, 1200W amplifier, bass guitar, a few drums and part of our P.A. in the back and passenger seat.

The plastic used on the interior was of pretty poor quality, and rattled and squeaked.

The only thing that I really disliked about the car was its inability to idle properly; some mornings it would start and idle at 1500rpm, after a drive at 2000rpm, after another drive 500rpm, and sometimes even stall at traffic lights. I replaced the air flow meter and cleaned all the intake, but it never really improved.

Faults:

Drive shafts began to knock after about 50000 miles of hard acceleration.

I neglected to change the cam-belt and it blew after managing a distinguished 115000 miles.

The driver's side floor flooded and the sills filled with water in wet weather.

I never found the leak even after removing the dashboard.

General Comments:

I loved the snappy performance of this car. It was great for brisk motoring around B-roads, and from my (rose-tinted) memory it handled like a dream.

Looks-wise it was a lovely little number in 'topaz' metallic blue.

0-60 mph in about 10 seconds from 85 PS, five well chosen gear ratios, and just 815 kg kerbside weight. I never did drive this car properly, it just begged to be blasted. It's a bit of a shame really, 'cos it was well clapped-out when I sold it.

Oh, and I replaced it with a 106 diesel. Strange choice, that?

Faults:

Clutch went at 65,000 miles.

Gearbox 98,000 miles.

Rust on rear arches 110,000 miles.

Erratic revving all the time.

Rattles constantly.

General Comments:

This car has been well looked after and has been in the family from new and I've owned this for many years and its been a joy to drive it every time.

Handles really well on those twisty B roads, but watch out for the lift-over steer. Caught me out a few times, but you will get used to it.

Extremly relible if looked after well enough.

These cars are not very well built, but you have to take the rough with the smooth.

If you buy one of these car, you`re in for a treat.

Faults:

Broken down several times, seems to be an electrical fault (engine doesn't even turn over)

Got Broken into.

Insurance is a killer.

Noisy interior (rattles)

General Comments:

My car broke down on the way home after I first picked it up, and its broken down a couple of times in the first couple of months. It has been broken into, costs me £48 a week insurance, and has generally been quite a bit of hassle. BUT, I wouldn't change this car for the world. When you're on the open road, it's an absolute pleasure to drive. Very quick and handles amazingly. Riding in other hot hatches seems labored after driving this rocket. I'll find myself taking the longest possible routes home, just to drive it for a bit longer. I'd recommend this car to anybody.