So we went for a test-drive of both petrol and diesel and to look at the options to see whether, ultimately, it was viable. First impressions are positive, having seen a few in France this was our first chance to get a look close-up; both the demo models were Dynamique S which is the full multi-colour swap-shop version and the highest spec; thye each had plenty of options too such as heated seats, reversing cameras and the upgraded R-link stereo. I love the looks, just the right balance of stance, detail and shape a complete package as far as I'm concerned; one was grey with a black roof, the other in signature Arizona orange with the black roof. I can't really see anything at all I don't like on the outside, only the now-ubiquitous 'piano' black which shows up finger prints with incredible ease.
Getting in is easy, as was putting FB juniors chair in the middle - a plus as that's his favourite spot; the sales guy mentioned it was the same size as a new Clio inside before we got to it which I thought would immediately rule it out as that looked quite small in the showroom but thankfully he was well wide of the mark - ideal for people to sit behind me at 6'4" if not perhaps myself doing it! The back seat in the rearmost position still leaves an excellent boot with split level flooring which is at an ideal height to get stuff in and out along with being a great shape.
At the wheel I could get an excellent driving position with enough adjustment of the seat and helm making a nice elevated position without feeling like you were towering over other cars, the seats felt good although, like lots of small cars, I suspect the front seat wouldn't feel quite long enough under the thighs on long journeys but they weren't uncomfortable to sit on. We were shown all of the functions of the R-Link sat nav thingy which also controls the stereo and the comprehensive trip computer, on the move it seemed to 'bong' as you change speed limits which wasn't as annoying as it sounds - it was all a piece of cake to use.
First out in the petrol 0.9tce - a new 3-pot turbo charged 900cc unit that has been getting great reviews in the Clio; not as punchy as the 1.0 3-potter in Ford products but smoother. I was keen to see if this tiny puffer would be overwhelmed by a car that's heavier and taller than the Clio because 3-cylinders and turbocharging is right up my alley. At idle with the door open there is no doubt this is a 3-pot, that offbeat unevenness which sounds a bit unnatural but also interesting. With the door closed it is much quieter - select first with the nice clutch and light gear change and were off; sometimes it can be difficult to modulate a new car, especially a tiny turbo, but this felt natural from the off.
Through the test drive I noticed that if you changed up without being quite smooth the drivetrain definitely 'shunted', I guess it's the small engine and biggish car, occassionally being off-boost but otherwise itis incredibly smooth and happy to be revved when we joined the A14; at a 70mph cruise the engine was silent, wind noise a minimum and generally it felt like the sort of car you could blat up the motorway in for hours on end. The engine has a lovely charm to it which is there when you'd like it and absent when you dont - it would never be a ball of fire but its a lovely little triple. The ride is excellent, I'd read a few reports about the car being a bit hard on urban roads but I didn't really notice it at all, only really big pot holes came into the cabin. The gearbox was great through all the gears, the brakes sound and strong without being grabby. I didn't get the chance to door handle it (I don't really do door handling) but it felt very secure and stale with decent steering that wasn't over assisted but then won't make lotus Elise owners get a hard excited about.
Overall, lovely.
We want a petrol car next but wondering if the 0.9 would be up to the job I'd booked a 1.5dci too. Despite the same 90bhp they are, obviously, very different. This is a smoother unit than the 1.6HDI in the Picasso, really very good from a refinement perspective, it didn't have any of the slight weirdness in the drivetrain the petrol displayed feeling more of a chunky product, which it will be with a heavier clutch - tractable around town with a degree of urgency it was surprisingly lacking in go at speed; I'd say performance wise they are a dead match, joining the A14 at the same spot it felt a bit short of absolute puff, perhaps driving a remapped car I forget how diesels tail off; once cruising it sat at 70mph quite happily just ticking over at 2000rpm (3000rpm in the petrol) but despite being quiet there was still a slight diesel drone in the background which made me realise boat-fuel has its limitations.
The diesel left me cold to be honest - it could be any car; despite 56mpg v 43mpg in the 0.9tce over the same route we both agreed the petrol had the edge. Both cars seemed to have the stop and start disabled, I can only assume due to this foxing most people on a test drive, and they have an Eco mode which is supposed to make the throttle slower and air con work a little less hard but I didn't notice the difference in either.
So, are we buying one? Maybe - we have decided the Picasso will go and wanted to get some numbers together. The part ex was bottom book and the price of the model we would be looking at 0.9tce Dynamic (most of the goodies without the hyperactive paint schemes) wouldn't be discounted (broadspeed have £750 off...) but were offered a decent finance rate of 3.64% which appeals as we don't want to use savings so the numbers got close to adding up. Talking it through we decided to have a think about it - sadly, when I got home realised there was a missed call from the dealer too late to contact them back - the dealer emailed me to advise they'd given me the preferential rate for existing customers by accident; they could only offer 8.6% increasing the monthly figures by £35. Nein Danken. It makes the car too expensive and, frankly, I'm disappointed that having put the paperwork together they wouldn't honour it.
We do fancy one but need to drive the 2008 and then decide if we really want to spend out on a new car rather than going for something 2 years old (which rules these two out...). Renault's 4 year warranty, servicing and road side assistance do help.Edited by: Frank Bullitt
