1.6 Sport 3dr Hatchback

A car for the price of a set of tyres

Car is being used while I look for something to replace my old E61 M5 (review elsewhere on the site). It cost about the same as a set of new rear tyres for the M5.

This is not a particularly quick or economical car (about 32.5 MPG so far), but it is has a bit of character about it, and it is plenty brisk enough to keep up with traffic or cruise nicely on the motorway.

First off: we are talking about a car which was well under £1000 and 12 years old. Everything works. Electric roof, windows, central locking, air-con. Car starts on the first turn of the key and everything feels smooth and tight (the car is showing about 44000 miles, but not much history to back this up). Some of the paint lacquer has gone but that's really the only thing wrong.

The ride is a bit stiff - this is a short wheelbase car, and rather light. Feel though the wheel is not bad, and the car is generally quite fun to drive - it is a resolute understeerer most of the time (which could be down to the cheap brand front tyres as much as anything), but mild lift-off oversteer is quite possible. Gearbox shift quality shames many more prestigious cars, but the car is quite high geared, so 5th is definitely for cruising.

The interior is practical - cloth seats have worn very well and look much as new. They are not the most supportive seats ever, and the seat base is a little short, which might be an issue for someone taller than me. Rear seat space is about par for the supermini course - two kids on boosters are fine in the back - but boot space is slightly limited.

At the prices the Getz sells for these days, they must be among the best buys around. This car is night and day better than a worn out Polo for twice the price. These cars have a great reputation for reliability and it shines through in spades on this car.

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