Exclusiv 1.8i 16v 5dr Hatchback

One of the best cars I've ever bought and I aim to keep it for a long time yet.

Albeit with a recent background of diesels, I bought my 1.8 because it was cheaper and had a good reputation for reliability. I've been proved right: the engine is excellent, not particularly powerful in this day and age but good enough and it sounds better the higher up the rev range you go. I always use Shell V-Power Nitro now and it does make a difference of 1-2 mpg. I also fitted a K&N air filter, as I did with my previous car, and that also makes a small improvement in power, along with a very slight increase in noise level. As I rarely take passengers the power is quite adequate for overtaking on single-carriageway country roads, which I frequently have to do. I cannot praise highly enough the heating/air con/ventilation system in the car - whatever the weather, the inside of the car is soon warm or cool and free of condensation. The only things to go wrong are an air con condenser that was hit by a stone, a cracked offside rear coil spring and a gearstick knob that worked loose. The dipped headlights are a bit weak, but I don't often drive at night, but I do appreciate the big twin reversing lights at night, because I have to do a lot of manoeuvring where I live and work. I notice that the Insignia has only one small reversing light, despite its being a larger car - one reason I shan't buy the Insignia, the other being its weight, which seriously reduces the effectiveness of the 1.8 engine.

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