5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

FIT A SILICONE HOSE KIT 1

The Figaro Shop’s silicone hose kit is a wise buy at £220. The originals tend to split with age, so swapping over to these multi-layer silicone replacements makes sense. They’re claimed to last a lifetime and the kit includes all nine hoses and their clips. You also have a choice of colours, including blue, purple, red, orange, yellow and green.

GIVE THE SUSPENSION 2 AN OVERHAUL

A suspension overhaul package (£860 via The Figaro Shop) will transform the feel of a well-used Figaro, with even the cheapest kit comprising four new dampers, new coil springs all round, bump stops, front top mounts and lower arms/wishbones, a polybush rear trailing arm set and relevant fittings.

RECONDITION THE 3 FIGARO’S ENGINE

Even an engine as reliable as the Figaro’s can start to wear, in which case there are a couple of options (other than sourcing a secondhand replacement). If you’re a skilled DIY mechanic, you can pick up a full MA10ET engine re-build kit for around £840. Or, if you prefer a more straightforward approach, the same company offers fully re-built exchange engines from £1750, complete with six months’ warranty.

SUPERIOR SOUNDS 4

Improving your Figaro’s sound system (by Clarion) might seem tricky because it’s an integral part of the 1950s-inspired dashboard design. The Figaro Shop has tiered options that combine up-to-date functionality with an original look. The top-line Level 3 upgrade includes a digital screen, DAB radio, upgraded CD player with MP3 and WMA file playback compatibility, a 3.5mm jack input, plus a full Bluetooth hands-free phone kit. Upgraded, fitted speakers can be ordered, too.

WHEEL APPEAL 5

If you fancy giving your interior an upgrade, specialists can offer a re-trim service for the three-spoke steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake cover. Soft high-grade Italian leather is used, available in a choice of colours and stitched to the original components for a perfect fit. The three-piece set isn’t cheap (around £787) but it’s certainly an interesting way of making your Figaro stand out from the crowd. The Figaro Shop can also retrim front and rear seats.