Faults:

Nothing major as yet has gone wrong although the engine rattles on cold starts.

Rear brake cylinder leaked and required replacing.

Rocker gasket leaked and required replacing.

Dashboard rattles at about 2700rpm.

General Comments:

This particular model has very good performance for a 1400cc.

Rear leg room is very cramped.

Very economical, always over 40mpg.

Shame alloy wheels not included in the Si specifications.

Very underrated.

Faults:

Nothing, only had it a week.

General Comments:

This car is amazing. Have always wanted one since I saw it at the motor show in 98 and now I have one. The interior is certainly different from the usual drab black plastics of most modern cars. Bright red leather everywhere and the carpets to match. You either love or loath the exterior styling (I love it). The orange nose certainly makes it stand out from the crowd. Now we get onto the engine, what can I say? Awesome. 1.8VVC pulls like a dream, that together with the close ratio gear box (change gear on song and it puts you straight back at 5000rpm) is a very exciting combination. Little slower to 60 than the standard VI (BRM wheels being a lot wider, thus more rolling resistance and the car being a tad heavier), but hit the bends and it a different story. The BRM only suspension set up, with the LSD and light weight alloys transform the car. Its got grip in abundance, have not found another hot hatch that can keep up. The only niggle I have about this car is insurance. Its Group 16, which is two higher than the standard VI and being only 22 it adds £350 over a standard VI premium. But its worth it.

Faults:

Gearstick makes a rattling noise on 2nd and 4th under 2000 rpm.

General Comments:

Very fast car, full red leather trim, red carpets, lots of chrome effect switches and details.

Faults:

Locking wheel nuts were chewed on drivers side, and the key for them was broken. Dealer wouldn't admit responsibility and cost me £30 for a new set (noticed they changed the design of the new ones!!!)

The Rover alarm/immobiliser is not compatible with my Clifford alarm. It doesn't lock sometimes.

General Comments:

Everyone has one car that fits their whole persona, I've already found mine.

Without doubt the best car I could have bought for the money. Its so fast you wouldn't believe, and the K-series engines are one of the most tuneable engines around.

143 brake horse power as standard, and I plan to take mine to 180bhp in the next few months!!!

0-60 in under 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 140, puts many other GTi type cars to shame.

My hit list so far includes.

Impretza turbo (5 bodies in the Subaru, couldn't catch my Vi @ 135mph)

Many Golf GTi's, Renault 19 16v, Saxo vts etc.

The best part about this car is its undersatedness. It's so subtle, and it looks like a 214Si. in a nice burgundy red metallic, very classy. Walnut dash, 15" alloys, Sun roof, Full electrics, Anti lock brakes, twin airbags, a mesh front grille and spot lights all add to the package.

Being quite young, and conscious about drawing attention to myself from police etc. I find the Vi a great way to disguise my young testosterone fueled urges, to plant the pedal to the metal.

The understated looks also invites people to go for the overtake, as they generally think it's a 1.4, and even the Police are none the wiser.

Very much on par with the MG ZR 160 but with out the plastic "boy racer" look with its primary colours and spoilers.

A simple modification of £90 for a Piper Cross induction kit takes the car to 150 bhp!!!

The engine uses variable valve timing, like a Honda v-tec engine, but its even more efficient as the 1.8 VVC is infinitely variable, where the Honda has 2 settings. Or in English, saves petrol.

These cars are currently selling for around £6000, and for a car that cost £16000 3 years ago, that's not bad at all.

The stereo is crap, but the engine is quite loud and makes for not very good acoustics in the first place. Especially once you fit the Piper Cross kit.

Ill have my Vi for ever, even once I've moved on to something newer (or more sensible), and ill still be explaining to people that its not a 1.4!