• Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    (it's my wife's car) practical, smart, modern.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    That it's an ideal shopping car, and, probably, that it's very cheap to run, which it isn't.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No, purely because of the fuel consumption. which I think is abysmal. The 11 year-old Rover 214 scrapped-in for it did better.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Golf or Astra, because we'll be cutting down to one car when I retire, so it will have to be a compromise on size.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £7,500

    When did you buy the car?

    October 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Used Government £2000 scrappage scheme, so paid £5500 inc metallic paint, mats etc.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Good deal on scrappage. 5 year warranty.

    What was the dealer like?

    Ok. Couldn't push any further perks. Said he was "making nothing on it".

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Surprisingly lively for a 1.2Li. Very nimble and enjoyable. I always pinch it from my wife for local trips, rather than my Vectra. A bit buzzy on motorway at 70mph. Disappointing petrol consumption - 45 at best, with a light foot.

    What's it like to park?

    Very easy. Good all-round visibility.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Not with the car itself. We had remote locking added, but it failed 3 times in first year.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Compact externally, but good space inside. Has all the essentials, ie. aircon, electric windows.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    It hasn't got anything extra. The feature I really miss is intermittent wipers.