Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

The Seicento is possibly in a vanguard of the cars of the future. I have always been a fan of small cars; it always feels like you are going faster than you really are. In addition an ardent admirer of many aspects of Italian design, although not always the engineering.

After my 205 was stolen and written off, I had to make a decision about the family second car. It had to be economical, because of ecological concerns, small, because small is fun, able to accommodate my 6’3’’ frame, uncomplicated to drive, two daughters going to be 17 in the next 5-6 years and now more importantly than ever low insurance. Although the safety tests have been a concern, but what the hell if everybody drove small cars the chance of being crushed under some Teutonic battle cruiser would be reduced.

So the answer was clear a Seicento, I’ve acquired an ‘S’ with the 1.1 engine a former hire car, and what a gas its fun to drive and ultimately contributing to sensible sustainable motoring. It did not come from a Fiat dealership.

Faults:

I had the vehicle recalled at 500 miles for a fuel pump fault.

I had the vehicle in as the seat lever was missing.

I had the vehicle in to get the sunroof seals replaced, as it was leaking.

I had some insurance work done as my car was broken into and had it delocked.

General Comments:

I have owned this car from new and my last car was a Rover 820si, which is a huge car compared to 'Mitzi', it was also a lot faster, but I am wise enough to realize that I wasn't buying a Ferrari like some of the reviews about this car you read in the press compare it to, and I am extremely pleased with everything about it.

It drive like it's on rails, as I've taken corners faster in Mitzi, than in any other car I've owned.

I don't get left at the traffic lights from green very often and only then are they performance cars like Subaru's etc. But that will change once the turbo is fitted, unfortunately I'll have to wait until after the warranty finishes.

Fuel costs are next to nothing.

And finally being yellow and small I can spot it in the car parks I visit.

Faults:

Key code immobiliser fault - have to use emergency start up procedure to get it to start, taking an extra 2 minutes, which is not practical!

Faulty fuel pump, replaced under warranty, but problem not spotted on 2 occasions.

Poor build quality.

General Comments:

Nippy round town and power assisted steering makes parking easy.

Bright and cute inside, but does feel a bit cheap (it was!).

Faults:

Nothing significant to mention. Minor points are:

Badly fitted heater control knob.

One of the alloy wheels was scuffed slightly on the rim, but I didn't notice this until I'd had it several days so couldn't get it fixed by the dealer.

Small paint-work blemish on the bonnet, though this is only noticeable in certain lights.

One thing it seriously lacks is electric controls for the sun roof.

General Comments:

I love my Seicento Sporting!

It is beautifully fitted both inside and out, having great looking and comfortable seats, easily readable dials, well placed controls and a brilliant CD player.

It is stunning to look at in its extrovert yellow with spoilers and alloy wheels, it turns heads and gets me noticed.

It drives like a dream, it is nippy with a fantastic gearbox which makes commuting and zipping in and out of Manchester's Mancunian Way queues a pleasure, it has perfectly weighted power steering, respectable noise levels, great acceleration when you need it, and good brakes.

I got a great deal on it as a pre-reg 51 during December 2001. I did this by getting a quote off the Internet, and taking it along to my local dealer; they were beside themselves and knocked £1200 off the list price, which I was very pleased with. Watch out for their finance though, you'll get much better deals off the Internet.

One thing to beware of with this car, is not to take its claim to have four seats too seriously! Its very cramped in the back. Its passenger space suits me, but would be a problem if you had more than two people wanting to go any but the shortest distance.

All in all, I'd say it's been a great buy that is bringing me much pleasure.

Faults:

Nothing as yet (she says with her fingers crossed).

A bit worried by all the bad reviews, I know it's got a FIRE Engine (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) and I think this means it was built by machines rather than men in overalls. A bit worried about what this could mean.

When I first bought it, I noticed it pulled slightly to the left - please be careful on test drives.

Check everything.

General Comments:

Managed to get a good deal as I bought a 2001 model as 2002 models were due to be registered.

Like watching peoples faces as they smirk at me as they sit beside me at traffic lights - and the transformation as I pull away leaving them far, far behind.

Excellent 0-60, I am a biker through and through, but am finding my new Seic a total pleasure to drive!