Ekona

SNEAKY

Or Mazda, even.

@Stu: Zero torque, but loads of power so you never notice it. Keep it above 4k rpm and it's a hoot! Rear seats are proper usable too, much better than you'd expect and I was perfectly comfortable in them. Interior is sh*t in terms of quality of the plastics but it's a wonderful design so you never really notice. @Lexx: Oh my, that is lovely

I think I want the R3, just for the Recaros

Really?! Mate, I never knew that! So if I ask if the extra bottle mod for adding oil to the tips for lubrication instead of using the sump is a must-do mod, would you agree? Also, what's the 'best' iPod connection device to use?

100% better, and 100% less chavvy too

Mate bought one today. 231ps version, 2005, sub-£3K. Threw me the keys and let me go play. Absolutely superb car! Wonderful chassis that allows you to play happily, supple suspension that's clearly tuned for comfort but that's okay as it's just stiff enough to be fun, and that engine... Comically smooth, no lugging at low revs in high gears, and it sounds like a jet fighter when you get on full chat. Not horrendously fast, but more than quick enough for the roads. Like the Zed, really. Seats are super-comfy whilst offering enough support, rear seats are easy usable for grown-ups, and the boot is much bigger than you think. And those suicide doors, never get any less cool. They more than make up for 20mpg and a thirst for oil. I think I want one. Scratch that, I know I do.

Stock Zed is fine, it's down to how the driver uses it. I had no trouble (well, a little and I did have to push) keeping up with a mate driving a VXR220 with 260bhp on 888s at the Ring on a proper trackday with a ragtop Revup on PS2s with only chassis stiffening mods. Drive it well and it will reward you handsomely.

Nah, I was agreeing with you, no-one bought the Zafira!

Eeep!

Zafira VXR, anyone?

On a weekend too.

Ouch. I'm guessing ECU failure, or an odd wiring fault.

Worth it though Mate, seriously I think everyone on this thread is really happy that you're happy, it's just that I think we all know that the biggest plus point of a Yank tank is the huge vee-eight up front, and without that it's missing the point a bit. As you say though, it's your money and if it puts a smile on your face, that's all that matters.

The pedal dance to get the code, not the one to clear it. We need to know what the problem might be.

It is superb. I use it mainly to play mkv files, and there's nothing else out there that I've tried that does it as well (or as free!) as VLC. Deffo worth grabbing

There was one at the Goodwood PHSS at Xmas. Looked amazing, same colour too, sounded like a sewing machine when it pulled away. You've never seen so many disappointed faces from those standing around expecting thunder! Looks good Jay, glad you're happy with it mate

Yes, I do! Oh no wait, I don't actually. Soz 'bout that.

That's sixty seconds of my life I'll never get back

Jo is going on the p*ss with her mates this evening, so I'm Xboxing all night. Win/win. VD is over-rated, exploitative nonsense. My wifey is awesome all year round, and I tell her so: I refuse to be drawn into this crap of buying roses where the price is hiked by 10x and queuing in busy restaurants just because Clinton's say you should.

I can't understand why people are so desperate to get onto the beta of this (no offence Jaz, I meant people bidding on codes on eBay and the like) since it's only four weeks away from release. That's just round the corner. Can't wait, should be epic

Don't blame BMW, blame drivers across the world who buy them because of the badge, not because they're bloody good cars. Most people have no idea how FWD differs from RWD, so why spend the extra developing a chassis that can take it if no-one cares? To be fair, they've said that they'll only go FWD on the cheapy 1/2 series so we as enthusiasts shouldn't notice a difference. It's not ideal though, granted.

Boroscope won't catch IMS. OPC warranty is the only one bothering with, and isn't available on cars over 10 years old. I fully agree with you on both points though, I wouldn't buy a non-DFI car without the boroscope and I wouldn't buy any Porker without a full inspection.

Either. Both conform to BS7800, which is all you need to look out for when choosing a fuel.