Just got back from my test in the Seat Cordoba 130PD. It's weird car and I can't think why anyone would chose it over either the Ibiza or Leon but anyway it was the engine I was interested in rather than the car. Coming from my 1.2 16V Clio (75bhp) the different was impressive. On the motorway the ease of accelerating from 50 to 80 in 4th (out of 6) was amazing. Put your foot down, and it just takes off and you're doing 80 within about 5 secs. The Clio is at least 11 sec 50 to 80. Not quite sure what 5th gear is for though. 4th seem to be best when accelerating up to about 80 and 6th is great for cruising. It was showing something like 1750 rpm at 80 in 6th. Okay I guess 5th is for accelerating 80-100 but I don't tend to drive much over 80 anyway. On to smaller roads and around town, the pull from 20mph in 3rd was pretty impressive.

The sound of the engine wasn't great... but it certainly moved better than my breathless Clio at 5000rpm going nowhere fast. I wasn't so impressed with the brakes - maybe I'm just used to a lighter car but they weren't as sharp as I expected and the suspension wasn't anywhere near as firm as I'd like. Couldn't really push around the corners as much as I'd like.

Overtaking was a new experience. The Clio is pretty bad at overtaking, basically it just takes too long. There was the one guy going along at 20 in a 40 zone and in 3rd I was past him in just a few seconds. Much safer.

So, I'm convinced I want this 130PD engine (or maybe the 100PD after a remap) but the question is what car to buy around it. Choices are Skoda vRS, Ibiza Sport, Leon, Polo GT (not available 'til summer), Golf, A3. I can't afford the

....So, I'm convinced I want this 130PD engine (or maybe the 100PD after a remap) but the question is what car to buy around it. Choices are Skoda vRS, Ibiza Sport, Leon, Polo GT (not available 'til summer), Golf, A3. I can't afford the

I tested the cordoba as well and as you say the engine and gearbox are the best things of the whole car

I've just been chatting to my Dad about getting a car based on the 130PD engine... He couldn't imagine what I needed 130bhp for! He drives a 12-year-old Citroen ZX 1.9 diesel (non-turbo) owned from new, 220,000 on the clock and sees nothing inadequate about my current Clio. Any idea how I can justify such a purchase to such a bloke, it's not that I need to but it'd be nice.

Theres at least 4 people on here who have come from 1.2 clios (me included)

the problem with the clio is, its a perfectly fine car for zipping round town... until you go near a motorway, where its underpowered and buzzy.

Get the Fabia.. you wont regret it.

I would say after owning the furby vRS for over three months it's a great car all around. Anyway i believe there's a new Ibiza FR 1.8T 20v coming out this mid Feb. So maybe you want to give that a try!

I've just been chatting to my Dad about getting a car based on the 130PD engine... He couldn't imagine what I needed 130bhp for! He drives a 12-year-old Citroen ZX 1.9 diesel (non-turbo) owned from new, 220,000 on the clock and sees nothing inadequate about my current Clio. Any idea how I can justify such a purchase to such a bloke, it's not that I need to but it'd be nice.

If you can afford it and run it then get it.

I'm 35, married and have 1 kiddy (another on the way) and my Dad asks me exactly the same thing when I talk about prospective buys.

It's a case of "no matter how old you are you're still your parents child".

Yeah go for the furby vrs, and u can spend the money u save on a remap

And anyway what do dads know :P

Go for the Furby, no problems.

My Dad was questioning my judgement going from a Saab 9-5 to a Skoda, he thought it was a big mistake, but I needed a diesel, so I got a Superb with the 130PD engine, my Dad is well impressed, it ain't far behind the Saab, and the Saab is an executive motor.

When I had an Octavia for a courtesy car, I took it round to show my Dad, he's now looking at one to replace his Pug 406 - and he's considering the diesel as he sees that they are not as noisy and smelly as they used to be.

My wife intends to replace her Ford Ka with a Fabia, she'd love a vRS, yeah, like I'd leave that at home for her to play with. She'll probably end up with a Fabia estate - cos pushchairs are bulky

Vince

I've got a test in the vRS on Saturday - maybe that will lay any doubts to rest. I'll report back. Is there anything I should pay particular attention to on the test? Strengths / weaknesses?

Is there anything I should pay particular attention to on the test

Yup where you put the pound in (quickly shuffles away from furby drivers abuse)