Faults:

1. Key problems; would not register.

2. Catalytic converter.

3. Exhaust emissions light came on.

General Comments:

Well what a car it is. It's extremely fast, and handles better than the Focus in my opinion.

There's lots of kit.

It's a good looking car.

Its boot is a good size for the car.

I really do like it. It's the best car I've ever owned.

Faults:

Two weeks after I brought it, the alternator went down, replacement fitted for £260.00.

1 month later alternator went again, replaced under parts warranty.

Replaced battery as recommended at the garage for £75.00.

2 months later alternator goes again, replaced for an 80amp unit instead of 60amp. Problem resolved (so far).

2 weeks later the car would not start. Recovery man tried to force start it, and it sounded like a tractor.

Went to a dealer, cost £400 for fault diagnosis, then decided it was the ECU that needed replacement for £625. Car back up and running, but has a valve tapping sound.

Two weeks later, a fuse went on the windscreen washer. Manual said check fuses; checked the fuses, and in doing so knocked out central locking. Couldn't lock the car so back to the dealer. £98 to have it looked at it and reprogram the ECU.

Word of advice (ignore the user manual). 1 week later reverse gear disappears and 1st gear is in its place! Seems as soon as the the warranty runs out the car is destined to spend most of its life in and out of the main dealers. Good for business, no good for the user.

General Comments:

Great looking estate car that has sporty feel.

Other than that, ABSOLUTE TOTAL AND UTTER PANTS! Please look at other cars and give this baby a miss!

Faults:

Touch wood, nothing yet.

General Comments:

Overall I am happy with the car apart from a couple of points:

1. On the 1.6 version the clutch judders when cold. Does not seem to happen in warmer weather. Had trouble getting the garage to acknowledge this, and it's something I`ll live with.

2. Gearbox is a little notchy when cold. Second to third sometimes doesn't feel as smooth as it did on my previous car. Maybe this is down to my driving style or it will bed in. It still feels very stiff.

The SXi version has sports suspension, making it hold the road nicely. The engine also has plenty of power, making motorway driving much less or a chore.

Aside from the gearbox, it feels very well constructed. I do not see the car falling apart any time soon. The layout of the cabin takes a little getting used to.

One last thing this was sold with just one key. I got a spare sorted, have to mark the dealer down on this as they wanted to charge me one hours labour. It took them 3 minutes to reprogram the new key. (Hence why I mark the dealership down).

Faults:

Since purchasing the car, nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

Sporty styling, both exterior and interior.

Everything feels well built, German build quality.

Seats are the only let down, slightly difficult to get a comfy position.

Heater takes an age to demist the screen and warm up.

Excellent stereo system.

Fairly good handling, wallows in corners though.