Having been inspired by MR Y,, i attempt this review...
on Saturday evening we received a funeral message and immediately set out for Durban. Four adults and my teenage daughter, two full size spares in the boot as well as luggage. Left home at 7pm and reached Durban at 1.15am. 680 kms with two pitstops of 30mins.
spacewise and comfort : the f25 provides more than sufficient legroom , seating posture and general comfort. luggage space was more than adequate.. still managed to add in three cooler bags on the return trip.
ride height and stability : the higher ride height gives the driver a much better view of the terrible, pothole ridden roads in the Free State and smoothens out the often uneven road surfaces. Xenon lighting is more than adequate and using the front fog lights extends side vision. The Nexen SU 5 tyres grip well and gives one the confidence to tackle the bends at higher speeds. even though we drove through strong winds and higher speeds through the Vrystaat Velde , the vehicle was always stable and never felt top heavy.
fuel efficiency : the moment one mentions 35i, the term guzzler comes to mind. however, i feel the following figures are more than reasonable...
going down to durbs, first 300 kms at 120, then higher speeds to cover lost time, consumption of 10.2l / 100km.
did about 150km in durban traffic and swopped drivers on the return trip,, higher average speed and more than a few spirited runs in the Free State.. long open stretches of road.. returned an average consumption of 11.8l / 100km. overall hot hatch performance in a family sized vehicle.
value for money : all of the above for polo vivo money
my verdict :: perfectly happy with my sons choice of vehicle.. a true sleeper.. no badges, big wheels or aero kit to impress. just power delivery and the roar when you decide to floor the pedal.
ps. sorry for the long read