I'm feeling a bit more bold as a result of a couple of less harsh comments the other day so I thought I'd poke my head out from the relative safety of obscurity and give my thoughts on my 120d now that I've done nearly 10k miles in it.
I know that many people hate the look and I confess at certain angles I'm still not sure but overall it is ok - its certainly is a bit different.
However as a driving experience the car just gets better and better as the engine loosens up giving better performance along with better economy. I'm now averaging just under 40MPG (28/29 in my old 1.8T Golf) in mixed driving conditions from the trip computer and this rises into the 40's if I do significant motorway mileage. Others will probably do better than this as I consider myself pretty heavy footed.
The engine is an absolute stonker and is starting pull strongly from even lower down now in 3,4 and 5 . I'm finding that I am block changing on a regular basis now from 4th to 6th when entering the motorway and coming up to speed. Even in 6th the engine is incredibly powerful and responsive - it can be quite dangerous because it exceeds motorway limits at such low revs and with the quietness of the engine and lack of wind noise I sometimes find myself cruising faster than I should.
Having only driven petrol before I sometimes find the power of the diesel on tick-over almost too much as it will push along in 1st too fast without any need for the right foot when in queues.
On start up there is a bit of clatter but after that it is very good, although I confess to sometimes missing the revving of a petrol engine and an exhaust note because it is so quiet.
Handling (I'm starting to smile) now the warmer weather is here has been absolutely fantastic, empty roundabouts are a particular joy when driven properly and you feel the rear squat down when the torque of the engine comes in when accelerating away. I mention the warmer weather because I was not sure about the run-flats during the colder months, but that may have also been because they were slightly under pressure and a few extra pounds seems to have made a big difference to both the grip and feel. These tyres run at much higher pressures than any of my previous cars .(If I'm honest I think the car would be EVEN better on standard rubber). I wish HJ had done his review before I ordered the car as I fully endorse going for the SE spec rather than the Sport as in retrospect the Sport is too hard and will get thrown if it hits a bump mid-corner.
Inside it has been fine with no squeaks or rattles at all, the seating postion is spot on and incredibly comfortable, the seats adjust in almost every conceivable direction and for some reason have electric bolster adjustment. I'm not sure if the Climate Control is a little weak or if it needs a gas top up/check. One touch I like is the Aux socket in the Armrest into the audio unit meaning I can use my pocket pcphone either to play MP3s or as a handsfree for the phone.
Before anyone says it I know there is not as much room as a Golf or a Focus, but that was not as important to me, although the rear seats fold down very easily and create a very useful load space and my two kids climb in quite happily - worryingly SWMBO seems to be running low on petrol in her car a bit too often ! When I ordered the car the Golf GTI was not available and for some reason I took a dislike to the A3 FSI and TDi - it reminded me of my Golf even if it handled better.
I know that the car has come in for a fair amount of abuse on here in the past, but bearing in mind this was a company car, not a private purchase I am very pleased with it especially as it is Euro 4 and in a low Benefit in Kind Tax Group.
Sorry if I have gone on a bit.
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Hello,
All very intersting, unlike many I like the 1 Series and would quite fancy one if the family would fit in it or the wife had a family car instead of her Clio.
I would be disapointed with 40mpg though, in fact I would ask the dealer about this if I were you.
Regards.
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Good write up. Thanks. I too would buy one - but just not yet - I would wait for another year or so for depreciation to take its effect.
If you have a heavy foot, I wouldn't worry about 40mpg. I know, changing driving style can change as much as 8mpg on a car.
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I know that many people hate the look and I confess at certain angles...
You mean if you're facing it? ;)
Sorry, couldn't resist that. Seriously though, if we all liked the same things, the world would be a very dull place, and it's good to hear of anyone getting a car which really pleases them.
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I saw a black one earlier and thought it looked great> If I was in the market for a premium hatch it would be first on my list.
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Cheddar
I've been been away with the family for the weekend in it (SWMBO, Boys 9&4 and the Springer) - ok it was a bit of a squeeze but we did a 400 mile round trip quite happily.
I would be disapointed with 40mpg though, in fact I would ask the dealer about this if I were you.
I am quite pleased. It started at the low-mid thirties (wasnt happy) and has gradually improved since about 7k miles. As I said I'm sure others could do better than me. But in comparison to my old Golf I achieve at least an extra 40/50 miles on 20 quid's worth of fuel and that doesnt take into account the rising cost of fuel over the last year.
CJay - i think you are spot on. I wouldnt have paid the price new , but it may well be a better used buy. Although as I understand it the residuals were forecast to be good which led to a good lease deal.
Corsa - I've got it in Sydney Blue but I'm seeing quite a few in Silver which I think really suits the car. (I didnt choose this because I was seeing too many BMs, Mercs etc in it at the time, but having seen it in the flesh I think it is good.)
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