I'm thinking of changing the Octavia+cash into 2 cars.

1.2 5dr Corsa SXi for SWMBO (she'd be really happy with that dont try talking us out of it).

For me, I have to say, the choice has been influenced by a certain Briskodian - I'm considering a Smart roadster!!

Whats the MPG like on Smarts? obviously running 2 cars = 2x insurance, 2x tax etc. so if I can have an economical fun car that's good for me.

Its either that or an ST220 for me and nothing for SWMBO - but I think she really needs her own transport

1.2 5dr Corsa SXi for SWMBO (she'd be really happy with that dont try talking us out of it).

Is there much between the 1.2 and the 1.0? If she's not bothered about performance of any kind, why go for the more expensive option?

Whats the MPG like on Smarts? obviously running 2 cars = 2x insurance, 2x tax etc. so if I can have an economical fun car that's good for me.

Depends how you drive them...'cos they're turbo-charged you can rag them and the fuel economy will drop. That said, from what I've seen on various threads, you'll struggle to get less than about 30-35mpg, and best case you can get about 50-ish...

The Roadster isn't too great (relatively speaking) for insurance, certainly more than the ForTwo - if you have a word with MSM Insurance they should be able to give you a very competitive quote though...

Tax is pretty cheap on them too...it'll only cost you marginally more to insure two low CO2 cars than the Octy I should imagine...

Servicing will see you well and truely Vaselined, although you're not too far from Smarts-R-Us and the like for independent servicing.

Rob.

I dont think they do the SXi Corsa with the 1.0 engine. I believe it is 1.2 and 1.4 only.

What are traditional smarts like to drive? My commute is a nice set of B roads that I can only just get to 80mph on with the Octavia before braking for the next corner - therefore outright speed wouldnt really be an issue.

No, I'm not going to buy his 'n hers 1.0 Corsas

Must admit I like the Braubus Roadster...but they are expensive for what they are.

A friend of mine just changed his polo for the corsa 1.2 SXI a very good solid car

Octy to roadster... well why not! bit different in practicality!

We bought the Octy when we had a large dog - male dalmatian. Sadly he's since passed on and we have a small mixed breed that would be happy in the boot of a Corsa.

In an ideal world I'm have a 350Z for myself but funds wont allow that and a sensible house.

Hello -

I am the ROADSTER INFO MAN

Whats the MPG like on Smarts?

So far I am averaging about 38 mpg. Doing the same journeys in the same manor in a remapped fabia vrs I was getting 34 mpg.

insurance,

IIRC you are 25? Me too, and I pay [without looking else where] £400 / annum which is £30 more than the Fabia. This is comp for me and my 25 y/o wife, 14k / annum kept on the drive, no points / accidents 8 years no claims.

tax

£105 / year

Grin factor: Priceless.

I can answer many more of your questions if you need to know, but just go on a test drive you will love it !

SEE MY REVIEW: http://briskoda.net/forums/showthread.php?t=47289&page=3

I dont think they do the SXi Corsa with the 1.0 engine. I believe it is 1.2 and 1.4 only.

Lower spec = cheaper car?

What are traditional smarts like to drive? My commute is a nice set of B roads that I can only just get to 80mph on with the Octavia before braking for the next corner - therefore outright speed wouldnt really be an issue.

Commonly regarded as one of the worst handling cars out there...however, it comes down to what you want from "handling" - personally I find it rewarding as it's actually a bit of a challenge if you want to make progress in it, and you really have to use anticipation to make good progress and carry speed, etc. The amount of feedback is tremendous, though this might be a bit different in one with PAS.

There's generally not a lot at the top end of the engines, but thanks to gearing and small turbocharger a lack of power won't really be an issue anywhere up to 70. Economy/tax is similar to the Roadster. Insurance should be considerably cheaper, and servicing is mildly cheaper too I believe.

RWD - fun can be had with that...

Size of it means you can get into those spaces no one else can, plastic panels which don't dent mean you don't have to worry about what happens if someone opens their door onto it.

If you're going to the trouble of test driving the Roadster, you might as well have a go in a ForTwo while you're there. Would probably recommend trying the ForTwo first though...

Rob.

I think the Roadster on a B-road journey will be awesome

I've done a shed load of research into roadsters and am about to carry out some more actually on another forum.

The Brabus is certainly a very nice car, looks the part and is tweeked in many ways, and the interior is gorgeous, however I've come to the conclusion there not worth the price tag (and for me, the huge insurance)

The test drive I had of the normal Roadster had me grinning like no-ones business, great fun to drive, and some topless driving for the summer

However if the normal roadster isnt enough a

id look at reviews for the Corsa. they don't get a good one unfortunatley.

add that to a ageing chassis and model design.

if thats what you want fair play.

Merc Sheffield have a very nice selection of the Roadsters and the coupe ones. Was very tempted for me - only 10-12k

id look at reviews for the Corsa. they don't get a good one unfortunatley.

add that to a ageing chassis and model design.

if thats what you want fair play.

Any suggestions for alternatives?

Chris

The COrsa will be a car for SWMBO who likes the way it looks both inside and out. Reliability wise it'll be bullet proof.

Corsa is not open to discussion.

Corsa is not open to discussion.

Oh go on, you know you want to discuss it

Chris

id look at reviews for the Corsa. they don't get a good one unfortunatley.

add that to a ageing chassis and model design.

if thats what you want fair play.

Im happy with mine' date=' it is a Sri CDTi but the 1.2 is a sweet engine.

My mate has just had a 1.2 life for his SWMBO she likes it.

Had a hire Nova 1.2 a few years back and that was good back then.

Vauxhall seems to be in the same position as skoda was...ie good cars ...bad name.[/color']