Hi everyone, I come in peace as a BSM driving instructor. I have the choice of a 1.4 sport or a 1.3 MJ sport and was just wondering if anyone could give me any constructive info on either model and which you think may be better suited for the job. Currently I drive a petrol Astra as I have never been a diesel fan but I do hear the MJ is quite nippy. Any replies would be much appreciated. Thanks.
General Which model ?
- Thread starter MSPSL
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General Which model ?
I would have thought the MPG & the power delivery lower in the rev range would make the 1.3 the one to go for. Also, I hear the steering lock on the 1.4 is a bit, um, rubbish - might not be too good for learners..
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On the other hand the diesel has the DPF which needs periodic steady runs at 60mph to regenerate - might be an issue for an instructor car?
TBH I would have thought a 1.2 would be the strongest business proposition.
TBH I would have thought a 1.2 would be the strongest business proposition.
I'd agree with the 1.2 being best, but if I were to choose between the MJet and the 1.4 I'd go MJet. I'm pretty sure he'll be driving it as his own personal car as well, and if so the whole 60 mph thing shouldn't be a bother.
I saw a BSM Fiat 500 yesterday... still silver and orange. This one was a sport as well and it had the chrome bonnet strip. Looked good, but compeltely fdifferent to a normal 500.
crabman
yEP, 1.2 HERE AS WELL, HAVING DRIVEN ALL MODELS (EXCEPT THE aBARTH), THE 1.2 IS THE BEST SUITED.
I think you should go for the 1.2 (if you can) its better around town as is still fine on the motorway. Like others we test drove all of the engines, the 1.4 lacked the power of the 1.2 lower down which was what made my decision.
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Have not driven the 500 1.4, but if it's anything like the 100HP, then I would much prefer to learn in the 1.2. - easier drive all round, great turning circle, good throttle response, 5 speed box, no decision to be made on sport button.
The 1.4 is a great little car (I have one) but the turning circle is rubbish with the 6 speed gearbox. It's like trying to park a supertanker. 3 point turns become 5 point turns. If maneuvering is a big thing and I'd imagine it is, go for something with the 5 speed box.
so are bsm not giving you the choice of the 1.2 ? as in the thread opener it reads like that.
i would think the 1.4 is a no-no due to its very poor turning circle the mjt out of the two would be my choice as diesels are harder to stall it has the same tun circle as the 1.2 and also has the city button which lightens the steering considerably but given a choice of all 3 engines the 1.2 would also be my choice as the eco can match the mjt its (much) quieter and cheeper to buy.
i would think the 1.4 is a no-no due to its very poor turning circle the mjt out of the two would be my choice as diesels are harder to stall it has the same tun circle as the 1.2 and also has the city button which lightens the steering considerably but given a choice of all 3 engines the 1.2 would also be my choice as the eco can match the mjt its (much) quieter and cheeper to buy.
Many thanks for your replies everyone. I think I will go for the 1.4 as I do prefer petrol. With regards to the turning circle I am sure it will still be less than the Astra which has actually never been a major issue. I must admit though I wasn't aware that it had had 6 gears! Any feedback regarding those would again be much appreciated. Cheers. ps. "long serving" instructors get the option of higher spec models, that is why I have an Astra "free" instead of a Corsa, compared to some who pay extra for the upgrade.
Lol, not one person suggested the 1.4 
but at the end of the day its your car. Are you not allowed to test drive them?
but at the end of the day its your car. Are you not allowed to test drive them?
You wanna put money on that??????
Just checked, probably about the same. Therefore, no difference for current pupils and future pupils won't know any different anyway. I must admit I am surprised though.
if they're bout the same, dont forget the short overhangs and the sheer size of the 500 will make 3 point turns easier. You will be able to get to the curbs closer etc.
i very much doubt it !! my old freelander had a better turning cicle
keeforelli
Member
even the stop & start version.
even the stop and start version!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep
Sounds to me like he's asking what car would be best for him, not his students
So, having said that... go for what you like, the petrol, be if you work on 'first time pass' commission then prepare for a dent in you finances.
The 1.4 is a good car for drivers... not so good for learners. It isn't as nimble or as nippy at low speeds, but it's better for motorway and track driving.
crabman
So, having said that... go for what you like, the petrol, be if you work on 'first time pass' commission then prepare for a dent in you finances.
The 1.4 is a good car for drivers... not so good for learners. It isn't as nimble or as nippy at low speeds, but it's better for motorway and track driving.
crabman
