Dare I say it, a desirable diesel estate??? (Fiat Marea Weekend JTD 130 HLX Estate)

Member Name: kerlmann

Product:	Fiat Marea Weekend JTD 130 HLX Estate
Date:	05/12/01 (837 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great value 2nd hand, This diesel engine is a real peach, Plenty of kit in HLX guise

Disadvantages: Fuel economy not the best, Space in the rear could be better

With 2 young kids and a near fetish for DIY, an estate / people carrier was the only option for me when I was looking to buy a car in May last year. Having done some research, and having a bit of a thing for Italian cars in general, I went for a 2nd hand, top specced Marea estate, which in 2.4 diesel guise is a real belter.

Start it up, and the engine sounds a little like a tamed TVR (believe it or not) - a wonderfully throaty tone, although far from intrusive and like most modern diesels sounds and drives like a petrol engine once on the move. Performance is impressively rapid, not a flyer off the blocks, but once the turbo digs in at 2k revs, it gives a smooth sustained surge making it ideal for overtaking or tearing up hills. In other words, it's no boy-racer but gives you bags of 'oomph' just when you need it most in every day driving. I've not tested its top speed, but suffice it to say it wouldn't get left behind on the Autobahns! Fuel economy is a little disappointing for a diesel - certainly under 40mpg for everyday driving.

To drive, the car is well sorted - the ride is a large improvement on Fiats of old, and the big grippy 195/55 tyres allow you to chuck the car around bends with plenty of confidence. Body roll is pretty minimal, with just a touch of understeer. Steering is quite light but gives enough feedback.

In the car, you have a whopping boot that swallows all manner and shape of objects - long or wide - an impressive 500 litres or 1500 with the seats down. Space in the rear seats is not brilliant but not the worse in this class, and is certainly fine for carrying kids. Into the cockpit, and everything is well laid-out and quite stylish with good but not perfect trim quality in evidence. The stereo is a pretty cool unique fit effort, with the optional 6-CD stacker fitting neatly under the rear seat bench (but accessible from the front).

Driving position could be improved - I'm 6&#
39; 3" and I could do with the seat going back a couple more inches and/or reach adjustment on the steering wheel - this really should be standard in all modern cars. A v.good to drive and reliable car overall, and excellent value 2nd hand.

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