27 Nov 06
On the one hand it is a small diesel estate; on the other it has more power than a Porsche Boxster. This is a car that should average over 35mpg, yet offers damn near as much torque as a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. If you can think of another car ever built anywhere in the world that casts it net so wide, I'd love to hear of it. In theory it should make Freddie Flintoff look like a bungling amateur when it comes to great all-rounders.
Right now, however, I have to report it has done nothing other than frustrate me profoundly. When it comes to running in a car, I am absolutely old school, so for the first 1,250 miles it will be light throttle applications and low revs the whole way. It's like opening a chocolate bar and only allowing yourself to sniff.
But at least it's not short of toys to keep me amused in the meantime. As you will have noticed it comes with M Sport bodywork and, while I hate the whole devaluing of the hallowed 'M' brand that this represents, I must grudgingly admit makes it look quite good, especially with its standard 18" M Star-spoke alloys. But it's not cheap: this small diesel estate costs £36,905 before extras, more of which in a minute.
Highlights of the standard spec includes a six speed auto 'box with paddle shift buttons; full Dynamic Stability Control which includes a hill-holder function, brake drying, fade compensation and pre-tensioning. It has automatic headlights and wipers, electric steering column adjustment, a multi-function steering-wheel and a jack plug for your iPod.
The important extras are a digital radio (£280), leather upholstery (£995) and sat nav (£1,970). The less important ones include floor mats (£75), Bluetooth telephone preparation (£535), front parking bleepers (£285), a sliding front armrest (£110) and voice activation (£285). I was going to put the luggage compartment package (£160) in this latter category until the arrival of a small black mutt called Lola, which now makes its integral dog-guard invaluable. All of which puts this car on the road for a steep-sounding £41,600.
