Bluemotion 1.4 TSI SE

Solid build, great engine.

This was an interesting choice for me, having reached the age when all things sporting have gone out the window, so I opted for the most popular car in its segment after several test drives of it and alternatives.
I was a bit anti as my experience with German cars has not been good, a Beetle long ago was the worst car I have owned on all counts and lasted six months and a Merc spent more time in the workshop than on the road, so I have stuck to Japanese cars and on the reliability stakes no problems.
My initial impressions were of high build quality, a very good petrol engine (don't do the mileage to warrant diesel) excellent driving position and seats, lots of room and easy to park place etc.
The downs , and there are always downs, the ridiculous retrograde electric handbrake, simply why ? and a ride that though good does not in my opinion live up to the reviews, and this is on 16" wheels, it is certainly no better than my wifes Mazda 3 that although it does like potholes is possibly smoother elsewhere, I drove a 17" wheel version and that was rubbish, but having owned Citroen DS everything is rubbish in that department.
But overall pleased so far, the star rating for reliability is of course not really valid after such a short time in my hands.
Just one thing, this car has a space saver wheel when there is room for a proper one, that is more than some now but as Honest John himself says this is a bad move in an attempt to save money and I will be buying a full size spare.

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