(+) performance, economy, reliability, value for money, rarity value, looks, handling, comfort, boot space (-) rear leg room (*) (On Ciao since: 11/2000)
(+) Good looking, well spec'd, decent performance, excellent fuel economy (-) Not as well built as you'd think, rock hard seats, squellie wheels (*) (On Ciao since: 12/2000)
(+) Surprisingly powerful engine for a 1.4, economical and of course its a VW promising reliability and good residuals. (-) Too easy to utilise engine's power and spoil economy! (*) (On Ciao since: 07/2002)
Advantages: Quick car, excellent handling, potential economy, cleverly designed, beautiful exterior Disadvantages: Overuse of plastic in cabin wears quick, no room in glovebox, a few rattles
...Test Model: Seat Leon 2.0 TDI FR
Reg: DV06 ***
Mileage: 131
Obtained MPG: 36.6
Official 0-62 mph: 8.2 secs
Official Maximum Speed: 139mph
Ever since the concept models of the New Leon were published I have been looking forward to seeing it on the road. But of course as soon as production comes in, the concept residuals are calmed down for the more conservative models. Don't get me wrong the New Leon is a very modern and stylish car, certainly one of the best looking cars on the road, with bullet shaped front and sweeping steep lines from the headlights and along the bodywork giving a coupe look, cleverly designed windscreen wipers hidden in the A-pillars, and a rear spoiler type lip built into the top of the tailgate. But I was still swayed towards VW or Ford in terms of more conservative looks and Kudos. Then the Leon FR...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Economical, Great Build Quality, Nippy, Quiet for a Diesel, Looks, Great Residues Disadvantages: Rear Legroom, Standard Suspension Setup, Headlight beam
...Update 30/01/02
(Start)
Had this car for exactly a year now! Some other information!
Winter - In the winter (i.e. now) the mileage returned from the diesel is slightly lower than in the summer. Thats because the diesel is cold and the engine needs to use more power to heat it up, thus less miles to the gallon and a noisier start up in winter! Arrr! Now you know!
(End)
Having owned my Golf TDI 90bhp for almost a year now, I thought it would be useful to write a review so that other potential buyers both new and secondhand alike could share some of my experiences.
At the beginning of 2001, I decided that my old car, a M reg Rover 416i, had had its day and I was on the look out for a small hatchback that would be economical, as I am quite a high mileage driver.
The Mk4 Golf is in the small hatch league, the same as its arch...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Space, Relative Economy and Reliable Engines Disadvantages: Still pricey to tax and run compared to most cars
...I purchased my Discovery 200tdi around 16 mths ago and it never let me down. The vehicle I located was a bit unusual in that it had never towed or seen hard work and had only had 1 owner its entire life.
The service file included 20k worth or receipts for work actioned over the car's life and it is fair to say that the first owner spared no expense whatsoever. It had a better history than most of the 300tdi's sitting around and I decided to buy it.
After fitting some modern wheel arches and side mouldings the car did not look out of place against a disco 7 years younger and the paintwork positively gleamed.
It was fantastic for taking my dogs to training and collecting friends and family. The driving position is high and the build solid. You really feel that it would take a huge impact and maintain composure. The original...
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Advantages: Quality and a refined driving experience. Disadvantages: Not the fastest car on the road by any means.
...It took a while to locate a car with the specification I was looking for, (a Volkswagen Golf TDI SE 5 door hatch 90 bhp - in either silver or green, and within my budget of £10,500), even by using the VW website and doing whole country searches. I had already called in at all of my local dealers (Ipswich, Colchester, Stowmarket, Lowestoft) and was told that they are often sold even before they even appear on the garage forecourt or the VW website.
Hearing this was rather off-putting, but I continued my search and in April 2003 a suitable car appeared on the website at Simpson's Garage, Lowestoft. One phone call and an hour later I was on my way for a viewing and a test drive.
My car is in 'bright green' which was an option at extra cost. (I would describe it more accurately as dark green, rather like the British Racing Green...
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Advantages: Great Engine, Masses of Torque, the Q factor....... Disadvantages: There is the odd squeak / rattle. Ride can be harsh at times
...Introduction
I'll start with an introduction to tell you why I've chosen this car. I've recently owned a SEAT Leon Cupra, which was great fun. Although the car was very nice it did cost a fair bit to run and insure. With me wanting to buy a house and being 22 years old the Leon Cupra was not the ideal partner for me. This called for me to look to buy another car - one that is economical and hopefully fun too.
Seat Ibiza FR
Since its launch in Mid 2002, the SEAT Ibiza Mark 4 has been very successful having won several motoring awards (including WhatCar Car of the Year 2003). It was only natural for SEAT to extend the range with some faster models. The FR range (Formula Racing) was introduced in 2004 with a choice of 2 engines. A purposeful 150Bhp 1.8 litre 20V Turbo and the grunty 130Bhp 1.9 TDi PD...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
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17.07.2006
07.09.2003