| COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: |
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Although Ford and Pininfarina have done a good job in reinforcing the Streetka's bodyshell, it is still prone to a little scuttle shake, and there were a lot of rattles and squeaks from the dashboard and fascia of the car we tested (bear in mind that this was an early production model; later examples should be better screwed-together). This is where the age of the underpinnings becomes apparent: the ride is unsettled over poor surfaces, and although it isn't that stiffly sprung or hard-riding for a sports car (the hatchback Sportka will be firmer), it can prove a little wearing on long journeys. The cloth seats are thinly upholstered and not very supportive - they're certainly not bolstered to sports seat specifications. The engine is harsh and noisy when pushed, and you do have to work it hard if you like quick progress. It's hardly quieter with the hood up, either. And another thing: the boot can only be opened via a button on the key fob - there's no remote release within the cabin, and no handle on the boot lid itself, which is very irritating and potentially awkward should the batteries run out on your plipper or the fob get damaged/lost. It's about as roomy as you'd expect in a two-seater of this size; two normal-sized adults can sit comfortably in the cabin, tall occupants can just about fit under the roof, and all but the widest/longest-armed can avoid elbowing each other. The passenger can stretch his or her legs out, too. Also surprisingly generous, the boot fits two weekend bags and other oddments easily, as there's no space-hogging electric roof mechanism to get in the way. No sat-nav here, but a radio/CD is standard-fit. It's not the greatest quality, but to be honest, you probably won't be able to hear it that well anyway. It's adequate for singing along to the radio in slow-moving traffic, though. The Luxury models gain a six-CD autochanger, which is optional on the rest.
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