1.1 L

Versatile, practical, economical but so dull.

Actually owned this from 1992 to 2005 but the website won't let me show such an old date.

In terms of accomodation, quite a bit of room in the front but bit of a squeeze in the rear. Luggage wise though, quite extraordinary and amazing amount of luggage and junk could be accomodated, especially after spending 2 minutes to remove the front passenger seat.

At the wheel, good visibility and controls well laid out. Mine also had an exceptional engine - my garage reckoned it was accidentally 'blueprinted' as it drove more like a 1600. Gearbox was a refreshingly simple 4 speed with a high top gear. For a bread and butter care I think this is far better than a 5 speed. Steering light and precise and ride pretty fair. Performance was good when pushed though a bit short in the leg for the motorway and 60 mph was about the limit of relaxed cruising. Pushed through the bends, she did handle quite well albeit with a bit of squeal.

Problems encountered were: rust (sills / rear suspension); carb failure (replaced with a Weber set up which made it even nippier); plus an insatiable appetite for anything associated with the front wheels and drive chain: shocks, CV joints, track rod ends, calipers, disks and diff.

Good points: economy, practicality, simplicity, bulletproof engine and gearbox.

Bad points: not much torque for hills, deathly dull to drive.

Kept her for 12 years but wish I'd bought a Peugeot 205 or Renault 5 instead.

Report as offensive