Surprising cars.

[sebhaque]

Was reading through a few older threads earlier (a Google search on PH always throws up interesting, old topics) - got me thinking. What cars have you driven/owned that have been much better than you were expecting? This can be in terms of reliability, performance, fun-ness, imagine anything that you feel is worth mentioning.

My contributions:
Toyota Aygo - happy little engine, it wasn't at all fast but sounded lovely - you could redline it through first and second and still be within most out-of-town speed limits.
BMW 116d - The lowest spec diesel BMW you can get - and it was pretty pokey for such a model. The chassis was quite nicely balanced too, and it handled/rode in such a way that if you just wanted to potter about town, it was fine, yet if you turned the traction control off and gave it a bootful on some empty country roads, it'd be quite a sharp handler.
Vauxhall Zafira - Shoot me for this, but after borrowing a friend's works Zafira, I actually found it quite fun to drive. Surprisingly good on fuel, and while again it wasn't overly fast, you got a nice shove from the (diesel) engine when you gave it a bootful.

I know my choices are very non-PH - be interested in hearing your tales.

[Aizle]

Did we not have this thread a couple of weeks ago?

[Liquid Knight]

My Rover 213S. I've owned a 216SE and driven a 216 Vanded Plass and both were horrible things. The 213S has less weight over the fron wheels so it handles better than the bigger engined versions and because it's a rev' happy little Honda engine instead of the slugish "S" series Rover engine it feels quicker as well.

[Aizle]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[jackal]

Audi R8
ST220


that said, i was expecting the s220 to behalf decent because afer Lotus, ford do make the best chassis/ride/handling cars in the world IMO

[a_bread]

Definitely agree on the st220, which is what I drive, handling and engine both great, and what is really outstanding is the way it fits together as a complete package. I say this as an ex BMW owner.

[D1bram]

Liquid Knight said:

My Rover 213S. I've owned a 216SE and driven a 216 Vanded Plass and both were horrible things. The 213S has less weight over the fron wheels so it handles better than the bigger engined versions and because it's a rev' happy little Honda engine instead of the slugish "S" series Rover engine it feels quicker as well.

I'd second this. Had a 213s as a hand-me-down around a decade ago, even then it was becoming a rare sight on our roads. Unfortunately while the engine was a gem the body was typical of Austin Rover though.

[Steamer]

Nissan Duke Turbo...

cringed a bit when I collected the keys - until I got half way up the road and it was still spinning the rubber into 3rd!

Great fun - goes like a stabbed rat, loads of kit and room inside - just dont look at the reflections in windows!

[GenePoolReject13]

My old focus, I knew they were supposed to be good to drive but I bought it because I needed a cheaper car to run and more space. I was shocked with how well it handled and was not expecting it to be as quick as it was. It was just a great alrounder, plenty of space, comfortable and a good drive.

[The Wookie]

Seeing as the other thread hasn't shifted for a while...

Renault Espace 2.2DCi, probably about 2005 vintage. Had one as a rental car in the South of France for a week on a lads holiday and it was great. It handled far, far better than I expected given contemporary reviews, was surprisingly sprighly for a 4 banger tank loaded up with lads and luggage, and most importantly didn't break despite giving it absolute death all week. I was flat shifting the bd out of toll booths and it just took it in its stride.

I was tempted to buy one to use as an occasional use people/tip wagon

[RizzoTheRat]

1.2 Corsa.

Though to be fair the bits I liked may bave been
a) it was a hire car and therefore driven everywhere at or above the red line
b) I had it for a couple of days to drive around cinder tracks in the kielder forest.