Faults:
I know I am being a bit picky, but they are problems!
Annoying driver's side headlight problem. It always steams up when the weather conditions change and rarely clears properly. Replaced under warranty.
Poor all-round wiper blades. The rear one misses the screen altogether and the driver's side one leaves streaks of water. Replaced under warranty.
Annoying buzzing noise from the dashboard at 2500rpm when the car is cold, but disappears as the cabin warms through.
Near side rear door bolts have come loose, causing the door to make a loud 'cracking' sound when it is opened. Tightened under warranty.
An almost useless remote sensor for the central locking. It has to be activated very close to the car!
General Comments:
A very good small hatch that I prefer to a Focus (looks nicer too!).
Despite a small buzz at cold, the cabin feels very solid and reassuringly safe on any road.
The dark interior doesn't exactly raise eyebrows, but chrome door handles, three point rear head rests & arm rest brighten it up.
Handles very well and can be thrown around many tight corners under control.
An excellent 1.6 16v engine. This is my second 1.6 16v Ecotec. A strong, refined performer that doesn't need stacks of revs to make you happy. It also sounds nice at any RPM. It can do 100mph all day and still want more!
Cheaper to insure than an equivalent SXi, but has the same engine and same spec.
The only thing to let this car down is the awful Vauxhall customer service, which I have had problems with in the past with my previous car.
14th Mar 2001, 10:41
When I wrote this review the van was running well, it broke down 2 days after I wrote this and has been sat at Lanehouse Vauxhall since.
I am getting very annoyed with Vauxhall (not the dealer), they bring out all this technology but can they repair it when it goes wrong. NO! Bloody useless.