Hi does anyone have any information regarding the above model. It is available via several brokers but there is no mention of it on the VW website, and their customer services don't have a clue.
It appears to have cloth interior and 17" alloys as standard, but I cannot find out if it has a spare wheel.
Thanks, Mark Read more

Hi,

I have a problematic Ka. It starts fine and idles perfectly but once throttle opened it stutters and doesn't fire on all cylinders (both when stationary and under load on the road). When throttle returns to idle engine almost stalls and then after a few seconds it settles back to a good idle. If I open the throttle wide open (car stationary) engine will rev as you would expect. Again, when I back off throttle engine almost stalls then settles back to idle. I have done numerous tests to try and isolate the problem. Have replaced coilpack, new HT leads, tested injectors (perfect), tried a different idle control valve, throttle body, O2 sensor, throttle position sensor. Even tried a second-hand ECU. Even after all this there has been no change. Clearly I haven't nailed it. Someone suggested I may have a faulty crankshaft position sensor?? I hope someone out there may have experienced similar symptoms and most importantly has a solution to my issue. Thanks in anticipation.... Read more

hi do you know the code for my ford ka please the serial number is ,m039921 many thanks Read more

The LCD on the odometer and teh LCD on teh raido does not turn off after I turn the engine off and remove the keys, also the radio will turn itself on whit the key out of the ignition. I am assuming that tjhis is a relay fault? Read more

Right, I need a new(ish) set of wheels, and I've been admiring the latest Mazda 3 for a while. Probably the best looking C-segment car at the moment to my eyes, and the reviews seem generally very favourable - quite an achievement when the motoring hacks are usually fawning over something German or the dynamically wonderful (apparently) Ford Focus. Blah blah Focus this, Golf that... (Makes sense if you've been loaned the car and don't have to worry about paying for its upkeep.)

Anyhow, definitely tempted by the 3, which seems solid inside, with comfy seats and a good layout, and a nice drive... although I've only had a quick go, and that was with a salesman nattering in my ear. I'd be looking at the 2.0 (120 ps) petrol, SE or SE-L, probably a year or so old unless I could get a stonkingly good deal on a new one (checked Carwow and UK Car Discount, quite impressed by the latter's discounts but don't know much about it).

But being the thorough (some might say a little obsessive) sort, I've also noted a list of notsogoods (stand by, it's a long list). Here are the things doing their best to put me off:

• Seems fairly pricey compared to some competitors (although not bad value next to a Golf or even an Auris)
• "55.4mpg" is great for a 2.0 petrol, but HJ Real MPG figure is 47.7 and it's not so clever vs all the small turbo petrol units out there
• Higher insurance group than many competitors (group 17, vs 12 for Auris 1.8 HSD)
• Mazda dealers rated 2 out of 5 by Which members (better examples are Skoda, 4/5 and Toyota, 5/5)
• Several owners reporting flimsy body panels, and one observing the car getting tatty relatively quickly
• Warranty... real shame that Mazda don't match Toyota's 5 yr warranty
• Not much low-down torque with 2.0 petrol, performance is there but needs working to get it
• Grumbles about ride quality on some surfaces (and I have to contend with at least a dozen speed lumps every working day)
• Poor rear visibility and no parking sensors on SE (why, Mazda, why?)
• No DAB radio (again, why, for a car launched so recently?)
• Complaints about the 'infotainment' screen being too reflective
• Complaints about rear legroom (and headroom in Fastback) - can be tricky to judge from a quick visit to the dealership (without having lanky passengers to hand)
• Boot space just OK in the hatchback; Fastback has better volume, but fixed frame can be restrictive
• Seems quite a long car for its type and it's more bonnet than boot
• No spare wheel - commonly an extra-cost option now, but Mazda charge an extortionate amount (well over £200 when Skoda do 'em for £80).
• Wind and road noise... mixed reports
• Steering feel - mixed reports again, although complaints seem in the minority
• Electronic service records... so what happens if I want to sell, or go independent for servicing?

So I thought, who better to ask than the fine folk in the HJ forum, especially those (hoping there will be some) who've lived with the latest 3 and probably know it inside out by now. Any views on that little lot? How have you found running costs, performance, dealers, body quality, space, visibility (parking especially), ride, steering, noise levels and not least, reliability?

Any views or tips much appreciated.... Read more