Someone dented the rear wing in a carpark. I thought the guy who came to fix the dent was going to cry - "they're all curves!" he moaned. He managed to get it almost right, but you can still see a small crease if you look really hard. It's not a fault as such, but it I imagine that a body shop would have a job getting it perfect again if it was seriously bashed, especially at the back.
If you're a bloke and you really care about image there is the 'hairdresser' factor I suppose. It doesn't bother me. My girlfriend absolutely adores it and so do all her mates.
I really love this car. It's not mind-blowingly fast, but what you lose in a straight line you make up for around corners. I've seen the steering described as 'telepathic' and particularly in fast bends your hands barely seem to move.
It's very well made - the doors shut with a real thunk, the switchgear has a quality feel and the roof is completely watertight. It's very practical too with loads of cabin storage and a big enough boot to get the shopping in. I'm 6' 3" with long legs and I find it very comfortable.
The gearbox is exceptional for a car at this money although I find 1st to 2nd a bit awkward sometimes - possibly because I'm tall and have to 'snuggle down' in the seat. My girlfriend has no problem with it. Generally there's a bit of a fight as to who gets to drive.
It handles just like everyone says it does. Seems to be a combination of very well-balanced chassis, razor-sharp steering, good throttle-response and not too much power. Skinny-ish tyres and no traction control means it can be a bit lively in the wet, but what do you expect?
We've got the Euphonic special edition which has red and black leather seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob and a top-notch Sony stereo with interchanger which is pretty much the perfect extras package as far as I'm concerned. If your buying second-hand it's worth hunting one down.
I have one just the same - such fun and the stereo is great, just drive it with the top down and the music turned up pure pleasure.
I have just purchased this edition after looking round at many different soft tops.
Once seen in the showroom was enough to convince me.
I did not even test drive, my first was when I drove of the forecourt on a glorious sunny day as a proud owner.
What a car it is pure perfection...
I bought one of these in August 2006 after 5 happy years with a basic 1991 model. The car depreciated £1700 in the time that I owned it - you can't say that about many ither cars!
The Euphonic is for me one of the best special editions; I originally sought a silver Jasper Conran, but after seeing the Euphonic thought again.
I agree - not very fast, but that's not what open top motoring is about. Mine is a 1.8i (Titanium Grey) with the LSD; and very entertaining at that. Nothing to date has gone wrong, although the dealer had to fix the air conditioning before I'd part with my hard earned cash. The car has just passed it's first MOT with flying colours.
Would I recommend one? Damn right.
Try filling yours with Super Unleaded for a little extra poke.
Great fun, great economy, great residuals - what more can you ask?! If you're a bloke, buy one in grey or black.
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