I'm a sucker for cream/beige interiors. TBH it's a major part of why I bought it!
I'm not overly concerned about the petrol costs, as I've had more expensive cars to run in the past, our other car will soon be changed to a cheaper-to-run model so it will balance out, and most of my driving is 50-60mph motorway cruising.
Yes it is the 1.8 unit from GM/Opel and I can confirm it is indeed pretty much a pile of poop. There is no low down power whatsoever! Doesn't bother me much as you don't really need it when cruising.