Today is the first time I have been able to give the car a real blast on country roads in nice weather. Seriously impressive in the bends and I had to overtake a van which was on its last legs and flooring it in 3rd saw rapid progress to say this is a car with economy in mind with sporting pretensions.

My journey took me from my home near Alfreton, Derbyshire to Bakewell in the Peak District via Tansley, Matlock and Darley Dale. The return journey went via Darley Dale, Matlock Bath, Cromford, Crich and South Wingfield.

The amazing thing was that this journey was very economical indeed. It involved blasting along open roads, crawling in heavy traffic and occasionally using the air con and despite that, I set off with a full tank of Shell unleaded with 317 miles until empty and got home with 335 miles until empty!

I know the computer is always adjusting to driving style etc but I was well impressed with that outcome after a 42 mile round trip! Assuming 335 miles left is now accurate, a full tank at £55 is hitting 377 miles and the car hasn't got 1.5k miles on it yet!

There's no wonder this ingenious engine has won awards. I can't think of a better car for blending some sportiness with low running costs. Superb!

Glad you've made this post I tookine for a blast today and my its quick!

What I like is the fact that its quick enough and yet maintains superb economy. Usually, if you buy a nippy petrol car you lose out on running costs. Not here though!

I know, I'm thoroughly impressed and hoping with a few power mods ie exhaust, k&n panel filter and a chip we'll see a performance increase in terms of both power and economy, from my experience remaps generally offer better mpg when cruising but extra power when you find a nice country road.

The chip, K&N & exhaust should see you good for about 140-145bhp

Yeah I was hoping for a nice 150bhp. I'd imagine someone will push it to the 180-200bhp mark but I'm not sure that's what I want.

I mean ford got 200+bhp out of it with a 1.6 turbo and a remap. Not sure how that would effect the reliability or longevity of the engine.