Meanwhile, the tailgate lip is a bit high. Still, it’s a smart spin on the Fiat Punto platform and not half bad if you need real-world practicality in a pocket-sized package.
It’s powered by a mundane 1.4-litre petrol or a snappier 62-mpg 1.3-litre diesel engine. In today’s climate, 42 mpg gasoline is still better for shopping, school runs and short trips. Find an Eleganza and you get side airbags.
The downsides are head gaskets that can explode, poor paint and rotting battery masses. Rot in the structure will prevent passing the MOT test, so caution is advised.
2006 Fiat Idea 1.4 Active – 119,000 miles, £1,695: There are hardly any ideas on the used market, and those asking for over £1500. Unfortunately, there are few details on this one, but I found that its inspection has expired, so the dealer would be forced to put a year on it. Failure in 2020 for corroded hanger brackets means you’ll have to investigate before you buy.
Readers’ corner
Our readers are smart and so prepare for the future, like Guy, who gets 42 mpg from his 1981 Talbot Horizon 1.5 GL. “Rust is the killer with these cars, of course,” he says, “but unlike to most old French designed cars they are very simple to work in. Push rods, no cambelt and no awful fan belts spinning around corners, plus they’ve always had electronic ignition which helps Verry much “.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-08 06:01:24
