Bluemotion 1.4 TSI SE

Solid build, great engine.

This was an interesting choice for me, having reached the age when all things sporting have gone out the window, so I opted for the most popular car in its segment after several test drives of it and alternatives.
I was a bit anti as my experience with German cars has not been good, a Beetle long ago was the worst car I have owned on all counts and lasted six months and a Merc spent more time in the workshop than on the road, so I have stuck to Japanese cars and on the reliability stakes no problems.
My initial impressions were of high build quality, a very good petrol engine (don't do the mileage to warrant diesel) excellent driving position and seats, lots of room and easy to park place etc.
The downs , and there are always downs, the ridiculous retrograde electric handbrake, simply why ? and a ride that though good does not in my opinion live up to the reviews, and this is on 16" wheels, it is certainly no better than my wifes Mazda 3 that although it does like potholes is possibly smoother elsewhere, I drove a 17" wheel version and that was r******, but having owned Citroen DS everything is r****** in that department.
But overall pleased so far, the star rating for reliability is of course not really valid after such a short time in my hands.
Just one thing, this car has a space saver wheel when there is room for a proper one, that is more than some now but as Honest John himself says this is a bad move in an attempt to save money and I will be buying a full size spare.

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