Faults:

Factory recall - wiring fault (fixed under warranty).

Cruise control switched on by itself (ie. without help from driver) which was made scarier by the fact the car wasn't fitted with a cruise control! Fault traced to misbehaving engine control unit - wrong software installed! Software changed all under warranty.

Recirculation control on in-car heater failed. Replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Dealer service (David Harrison in Peebles, Scotland) was perfect. Especially when compared with my Volkswagen dealership experience.

Service costs were much lower than VW.

Although the two litre engine wasn't the most exciting, it was perfectly adequate.

It wasn't a particularly thirsty car either, returning 40 miles per gallon during warm months and 35 miles per gallon in cold months.

The car has many hidden features: when the front fog lights are switched on the headlight aim is changed to shine lower on the road.

Faults:

Tailgate has started to rust just under the rear screen.

Cabin is excessively noisy, this has been evident since new, it's transmitted from the road.

Head-lamps poor on low beam.

General Comments:

The best cruising motorway car I have owned and very economical for a 2 litre, averages around 35mpg.

The handling is second to none and with the standard ABS and Traction Control there probably isn't another car as sure footed on the road for the price.

The cabin space is roomy and spacious carries five with ease and there's a good size boot as well, ample load area with rear seats down.

Power steering weighted just right.

Excellent all round visibility.

With the adjustable steering column, getting the right driving position is simple.

Brakes are a delight with plenty of feel through the pedal.

Very little body roll.

First class air-conditioning and heating.

A very good looking car that does not look dated.

Faults:

Minor electrical faults.

General Comments:

It handles well and this model is quick off of a standing start.

However, it seems to have been down tuned and I keep looking for a sixth gear. At 135 brake horse power I would not expect it to struggle up hills.

The clutch biting point is too high which makes it uncomfortable to drive in town traffic as you can't rest your heel on the floor.

I worry about its stability on taking corners and roundabouts quickly.

The seats need to be more bucket shaped to hold the driver in more.

Heated front screen is an absolute godsend!

Faults:

Tinkling noise from the driver's door - fixed under warranty.

Noisy air vent motor - fixed under warranty.

Recall for a replacement oil filler cap.

Recall for a replacement alternator.

Annoying thump from the rear suspension - never been diagnosed.

Annoyingly the gear knob spring holding the gear stick between 3rd and 4th gears in neutral has gone so the gear stick flops around a bit.

General Comments:

Excellent road manners. This car can be pushed as hard as you like. The more you push it the more it responds. Ride can be a bit fidgety at low speed, probably because of the Zetec suspension settings.

Good performance off the mark although the high torque peak of 4,500 rpm means the mid range is not as sprightly as I would like. Gearing a little too long means that motorway drives leave me searching for 4th gear if I drop below 60.

Insurance dirt cheap at group 6.

An average of 31mpg is not brilliant, probably because I drive with gusto.

First set of tyres lasted 24,000 and I'm sure less eager drivers would get 30,000 out of a set.

Excellent ergonomics. I recommend getting the air con and ABS options, otherwise the standard kit is a bit of a let down.