I bought a 'G' Reg 1990 Rover 416 GTi 6 months ago, for banger money (£800), having driven a 216 GSi, several years ago, when it was my fathers company car.

Being well over 6 feet tall, I already knew about the very poor headroom, but I also knew the Honda engine to be nothing short of superb. In DOHC guise, the power and torque peaks seem to be too high in the rev range, giving little in the way of low range poke. However, rev it up like you hate it, and it suddenly changes into another animal, as if a turbo has kicked in. It will rev up to the 7K limiter, without sounding harsh, and you feel like it could go even further, but electronics spoil the fun. 8000 RPM really does seem to be within the engine`s capability, because it sounds so sweet at silly revs. When the power kicks in fully at 5000 RPM, acceleration is rapid, and the subsequent gearchanges are slick, despite a clutch that bites too sharply at slower speeds.

Relatively soft suspension gives a comfortable ride, but it never feels sloppy.

Leather seats that last well, and undoubtably good build quality make this car excellent value in the sub £1000 market, making the XR3i and 205 GTi seem like nasty wrecks in comparison.

I never get less than 30mpg, even when tearing about.