Chasing Cars

ENGINE 1580cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 113bhp@6250rpm TORQUE 99lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 121mph 0-60MPH 8.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 29-35mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 55,478 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The car starts without issue. It settles to a marginally high idle, but appears smooth and healthy otherwise. It comes up to temperature quickly and produces no unwanted sounds, rattles or smoke. It performs as expected with impressive power and throttle response and no hesitation or flat spots. Ride and handling are excellent and the car remains planted in the bends while still feeling light and nimble. The gearshift can feel a little notchy but all gears engage well and the clutch feels strong, though the biting point is a touch high. Brakes are good and the car pulls up in a straight line with no juddering. The steering is fluid and direct, and the car drives straight and true with no wandering to either side.

BODYWORK CHECK

The low mileage is reflected in the bodywork, which is superb. The Sorrento Green metallic paint retains its original lustre and there’s no sign of rust, not even in the wheelarches or underneath. The bumpers and other exterior trim are in similarly good condition and have no marks or signs of weathering. The pepperpot Speedline alloy wheels are unkerbed and wear good tyres with plenty of tread remaining. The under-slung spare is present and correct.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The half-cloth, half-leather seats provide excellent support and are in beautiful, original condition, with no sagging or damage. There’s no sign of water leak damage to the carpets and only minimal wear. The switchgear is in good condition and all the electrics – including the windows – work as they should. The original leather steering wheel, gear knob and dashboard are undamaged, but the original stereo has been replaced with an aftermarket Sony head unit. The manual sunroof works properly and the seal is fresh with good glass.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine has been fastidiously maintained and kept wholly original, with only two small patches of superficial surface rust visible in both front corners of the engine bay. There is no sign of any leaking fluids and the clutch, brake lines and copper pipes are recent replacements. All suspension components look to be in good shape with negligible surface corrosion on the springs.

THE CCW VIEW

The 1.6 may not be as powerful as the 1.9, but arguably offers a better driving experience, and this one is a superb example of one of the greatest hot hatches ever produced. The fantastic handling twinned with the low mileage and superb paint make this a very tempting proposition. You’d be hard pressed to find another in such good condition.

EXTERIOR Flawless paint Interesting colour INTERIOR Original, well preserved and undamaged MECHANICALS Taught and firm Peppy engine and good ‘box