 |
VW Scirocco
by Travelator
We bought the VW Scirocco 2L Petrol version about six months ago. We bought it from new. The car looks very sporty and drives like a sports car. So let's have a look at the features:
Steering wheel. This is fairly small and covered in a soft leather. I find it a bit thick for my small hands but I soon got used to it. ... There are controls on the steering wheel for such things as the sound system, Sat Nav, lights, dashboard screen display.
Dashboard Screen DIsplay. This is my favourite feature of this car. If I put the Sat Nav on, I can set the controls to get a visual display on my dashbpard in front of the steering wheel. AT a glance, I can see a visual map of the road to see where my next turning is as it comes up. It gives plenty of time for signalling and getting into the correct lane.
If I don't have the Sat Nav on, I can set the dashboard display to show, miles per gallon/litre, speed, temperature and how much fuel I have got left in my tank.
My average petrol consumption on a long run is about 55 miles to the gallon, which is really good. Even around town, I average around 42 miles per gallon. So this car is really economical.
Interior sensor!! We have a small dog and sometimes leave him in the car if I'm just nipping into a shop. Problem is, the minute he moves, he sets off the sensor and the alarm goes off. It too me ages to find the switch to turn the sensor off. It is behind the drivers seat on the lower part of the door frame. This was not easy to find in the manual.
The boot space - is quite small and there is quite a deep drop, so lifting heavy things out of the boot is a problem. The back seats fold down flat to give more room in the boot.
Seat belts - They are fitted quite high so anyone who is of a short stature tends to find that the seatbelt rubs into the neck.
The seats are very comfortable in the front but in the backseat, due to the design of the windows, it feels quite claustrophobic. The windows in the back or very narrow (height wise) and the children complain that they can't see enough of the world going by. It is also quite tight getting in and out of the backseat. I certainly wouldn't want to have to get an overweight person into the back as I feel that I would need a shoehorn to get them back out again.
For our disabled readers, I add this note...You can't get an average sized wheelchair or scooter in the back of this car very easily. The boot is deep and lifting it out is a really problem. When I take my Mum shopping, I have to take her wheelchair apart and put it in the boot in pieces. I notice that this car is being offered on the disability scheme but please, please be aware of this problem.
We went for the stain guard option when we bought it and I'm really pleased that we did. My youngest spilt a milk shake from McDonalds in the back seat and it just stayed on top of the fabric. I wiped it off with paper towels and then sponged it over with a damp cloth and there is absolutely no stain at all.
Read the complete review |
 |
Toyota Celica Standard
by stevie69p
I'm now on my third Toyota Celica. The previous two were the Gen 6 model and I rustled together the funds to buy a Gen 7, which is my current car.
From the moment that you open the driver's door, the build quality is apparent: solid, frameless doors that close with a reassuring thud. A well appointed interior with a mix of ... analog instruments and a partial LCD panel.
The engine in mine is the well proven 1.8 VVTi unit producing 140BHP and proves capable for most everyday situations, mated to a slick, 6 speed gearbox. It's rapid enough to sprint down a slip road on to the motorway without being silly in the fuel economy stakes.
In terms of practicality, the Celica is difficult to beat for a sports coupe. With the rear seats folded down, the boot load area becomes huge; so much so, that trips to the local DIY store are possible without searching for a neighbour's Volvo estate!
So, if you're on the look out for a sports coupe that can nearly double as a family car, look no further...
Read the complete review |
 |
Ford Fiesta (1999 onwards) in general
by ginger321
I have owned my 5 door 1.6 diesel for a year now so it has had a good road test an all sorts of journeys.
First impression was the size inside - it felt like what I would expect a Focus to feel like. I am 6 foot 3 tall and my teenage son can sit behind me without giving me a back massage with his knees with no problem.
I ... don't even need the seat back as far as it would go!
**Styling** - it still strikes me as a smart car when I walk towards it in a car park which is good after a year. Inside, although there is a lot of plastic it all feels solid. Seats are nice and firm and seem to resist dirt well. Bluetooth hands free, aircon etc all good - voice activation good for calls.
**Driving** - a really nice drive - I tried the smaller engine and the petrol and they both felt a bit gutless or choked back - can only think it was the engine management system making it sip the fuel. I have the 1.6 diesel which is actually really pokey and fun to drive - it's not in GTi territory of course, but it handles well and you never feel like you are being left behind.
**Economy** This is a real score - we average 50-60 MPG round town and with a little dual carriageway use - equally as important, the road tax is TWENTY POUNDS A YEAR!! I used to pay about £260.00 for my last car - that's a saving of £20.00 a month from our household budget, not to mention the fuel saving.
** Maintenance** Servicing is reasonable and so far nothing has gone wrong which is great - Tyres - if you go for the alloy wheels, the tyres are a bit pricey - Pirrellis are about £90.00 each, but there are budget or part worn's available...
Cheaper than a VW with better spec, I would say a better buy all round.
Read the complete review |
