Right, today was the first day me and my girlfriend have had free in about a month, so it's been a day of testing out new cars.
1. Skoda Fabia 1.2 12valve.
Not a beast, dead steering. Oddly, it sounds a bit like a porsche 911. Must be the 3 cylinder lump.
2. Fiesta 1.2 Climate Zetec Blue etc
Mega spec and 2k off straight away. Comes in at 8k with metalic, alloys, AC, leccy folding mirrors, auto lights etc. Handles well, ok build, good ride, lots of space, ok engine. Does everything you could ever need in a car quite well. Bored the **** out of me.
3. Panda 100HP
Throttle seems to be too sharp (first time I've ever said that) clutch too agressive for a city car, engine not that refined and not that amazing top end, ride not as bad as some have said, still crap though.
For all that though its easily the only one in that list that's in with a chance, and a good chance at that. It's fun, loads of fun. Closest thing I've driven to it is the Saxo VTS, which is much faster, however the Panda makes you smile loads more. The engine is coarse and aggressive but sounds like it's trying. The steering actually seems to have a load of feedback (an illusion created by the feedback coming through the small of your back/arse? Not sure) and it just grips. Driving position is perfect for me (who is very tall) and for Helen (who is tiny) I can imagine that I'd actually look forward to driving it in town.
Testing the Mazda 2 tomorrow and keeping an eye out for deals on late reg Fabia VRs's (none about though) and phoning dealers to see who comes up with the cheapest price.
Oh, anyone got one with the middle seat belt? Is it a good design or does it just get in the way?
1. Skoda Fabia 1.2 12valve.
Not a beast, dead steering. Oddly, it sounds a bit like a porsche 911. Must be the 3 cylinder lump.
2. Fiesta 1.2 Climate Zetec Blue etc
Mega spec and 2k off straight away. Comes in at 8k with metalic, alloys, AC, leccy folding mirrors, auto lights etc. Handles well, ok build, good ride, lots of space, ok engine. Does everything you could ever need in a car quite well. Bored the **** out of me.
3. Panda 100HP
Throttle seems to be too sharp (first time I've ever said that) clutch too agressive for a city car, engine not that refined and not that amazing top end, ride not as bad as some have said, still crap though.
For all that though its easily the only one in that list that's in with a chance, and a good chance at that. It's fun, loads of fun. Closest thing I've driven to it is the Saxo VTS, which is much faster, however the Panda makes you smile loads more. The engine is coarse and aggressive but sounds like it's trying. The steering actually seems to have a load of feedback (an illusion created by the feedback coming through the small of your back/arse? Not sure) and it just grips. Driving position is perfect for me (who is very tall) and for Helen (who is tiny) I can imagine that I'd actually look forward to driving it in town.
Testing the Mazda 2 tomorrow and keeping an eye out for deals on late reg Fabia VRs's (none about though) and phoning dealers to see who comes up with the cheapest price.
Oh, anyone got one with the middle seat belt? Is it a good design or does it just get in the way?