Faults:

Split coolant hose.

Broken remote locking "plipper".

Alarm a bit temperamental.

General Comments:

One of the most underrated cars in existence.

Despite moderate power, the engine is wonderful - one of the torquiest and most responsive petrol units I've ever driven. The car can be driven ridiculously quickly using only 5,000 RPM and it will keep up with a friend's S16 unless he red-lines his car, and even then the difference ain't that great. Feels much faster at low revs / part throttle too, and returns 5 mpg extra to boot.

Chassis and steering are an object lesson - this car talks to you and lets you push it hard in complete confidence. At the limit, the throttle can be used to steer the car almost as effectively as the steering wheel. As for understeer - it doesn't exist unless you're asking the impossible. Truly brilliant.

A few niggling problems but overall, reliability is good. This car has depth to its ability. Handling apart, it won't immediately wow you like some rivals, but I am struggling to find any current equivalent that is anywhere near as enjoyable to drive as this six year old "warm hatch".

A masterpiece.

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 35,000 miles.

New radiator at 37,000 miles.

New radiator at 85,000 miles.

New radiator at 145,000 miles.

Gear box replaced at 140,000 miles as fifth gear fell off!

All suspension bushes replaced on regular basis, when the rear ones are worn they steer the front of the car.

Air filter too close to the ground on the near side, sucked up water and blew up the engine.

Seats badly worn.

Clutch pedal never returned to proper position.

Massive electrical problems due to silly route of wiring loom.

Alarm problems, three units fitted, all faulty.

Alarm relay mounted on driver's door pillar, relay switch damaged due to vibrations of door closing resulting in more problems with the alarm.

Very poor starting.

General Comments:

When the suspension is properly set up, the car handles very well. Change the standard suspension bushes for the rally specification bushes, they are harder, wear better and give a far more positive drive.

Very good torque.

Acceleration performance greatly altered by the timing.

Good all round visibility.

Good positioning of radio controls, light switches etc.

Much too expensive to maintain given the performance that you get in return for the money you invest.

Faults:

Driver's window fell out (apparently a common problem).

Occasional water leaks around the roof area affecting the electric sunroof.

Central locking on the remote somewhat dodgy, but since the sensor is located with the sunroof motor it could well be rain water related, I've yet to track the problem down.

Lambda sensor needed replacing at 70,000.

General Comments:

By far the most inviting aspect of the XSi is it's superb road-holding, I've yet to have the back slide at all, and any over-zealousness is easily corrected. Tyre-wear is somewhat heavy though, so it's definitely worth forking out the extra cash for decent boots.

Performance wise-not quite up with the S16 or GTi-6, but for £4k less who's complaining.