Design 1.6i 16v

Far better than you might think

This car has got under my skin. Yes it’s not the best looking, or the fastest or the coolest motor in the world but it’s an honest little car that does its job with the minimum of fuss. Frankly the amount of space inside for what is actually a super mini size car is astonishing and very well thought out. The seats are comfortable and mine (active model) is very well equipped. The ride is superb over all surfaces and it feels safe and secure on the road. I cannot understand why people slate its handling. I had a mini before this so it’s not like I don’t know a good handling car when I drive it and yeah sure it’s no mini but it’s perfectly fine and I even enjoy driving it. I’ve always thought that cars which lean just a bit in the bends are actually more fun. It has bags of grip and is a stable and smooth motorway cruiser. The twin port 1.6 is a quiet, flexible and punchy unit but not that great on fuel by modern standards. The A pillars are a bit thick but all you have to do is move your head a bit - really no big deal! It’s also been utterly reliable and does 120 miles a day ferrying me to work and back. Finally, with the back seats down it becomes a van. I sleep in it and cart my bike around without having to take the front wheel off. Don’t believe the naysayers, some people just think it is cool to bash Vauxhalls. I get a kick out of driving something not cool but actually darn good. It has turned out to be a dirt cheap bargain!

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