9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Unique little buggy
Date of Review: Feb 19, 2008
The Bottom Line: Best for city driving and not for extended highway driving
Cute looking little car, with very little wasted space. On the inside there are many storage areas in a car so small. There is even two glove boxes, one in the traditional location and one in front of the steering wheel. The hatchback is very convenient with fold down rear seats that hold enough for the average person. Will not hold much though with the rear seats up. The car also comes as a sedan.
Driving position seems far back and give a slightly detached driving experience. Black plastic is used all over the car, as one would expect in a car of this class. On the upper door panels it is more of a soft fabric type of material as compared to the hard plastic used elsewhere in the car. Overall the interior does not impart any warm cozy feelings for me. As one would expect from a 2 door the blind spots are horrible. The back view is also very limited with only a direct behind view. A wider vision cone to the rear would be welcome. Makes me feel very claustrophobic. The large windshield give a large front view however. The front seats are very comfortable and spongy and seem to conform to your body. The rear seats would be for children only as they are very cramp.
With todays high tech engines it was no surprise that even with the auto trans the car was peppy and could cruise easily at 75 mph. The engine seems very refined, unlike some domestic 4 bangers. The suspension feels firm and controlled. The brakes are what you would expect. Not overly grippy, just neutral. The car comes standard with ABS which is great.
The steering Has moderate effort at lower speeds, but really firms up at highway speeds, meaning it is very heavy. My arms were actually getting tired just making the regular steering corrections.
I can honestly say my first time driving this vehicle was not very pleasant. But after driving it for longer periods I have come to appreciate the quick engine response, the nimbleness, and the outstanding gas mileage.
Here are my main issues with this vehicle. The amount of noise entering the cabin is totally unacceptable. My ears were almost ringing it was so loud. Suspension noise, engine noise, wind noise, road noise. In addition you feel every road imperfection thru the car. Very little sound deadening materials or body dampening were used apparently. Second the new car smell is absolutely noxious. It reeks so bad you can smell it from the outside. I'm sure that will disperse over time.
I do not like the instrument cluster in the center instead of the normal location, makes me shift my eyesight instead of just flicking up. Like most things you do get used to it, though.
It is definitely not the best vehicle for highway driving, but is great for city and surface streets.
