pulse (71bhp) micro hybrid drive 2dr Open Car

A relatively fun and practical car all things considered, let down by its gearbox!

I use this MHD car to commute 16 miles cross-country twice daily and it does the job. Speed ramps and numerous poorly maintained British roads are a challenge of course, due to the firm suspension but i doubt its any worse than other city car or sports hatch/GTi cars.

The car has been supplied and maintained by MB in Reading and it has been 100% reliable. Just a blown headlamp bulb to report in 25,000 miles and a far superior ownership experience to our Audi.

The pulse model has wider tyres so the steering is unexpectedly heavy when parking. However this does mean good grip in the corners! (Check for power steering when/if you test-drive).

Consumption average is around 48mpg over the tank but considering the number of queues, roundabouts and junctions, that's not too shabby, but not 65mpg either. Official figures are not realistic, from my experience, although I have seen 57mpg....once. What is a disappointment for me is the gearbox. The reports are correct: it's painfully slow to change gear at any revs and its the "Achilles heel".

I think all my concerns are addressed in the newest version of the ED Electric model but I'm not convinced about its price or real world range.

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