...and to be honest, they dont sound overly impressed. For those that havent read it, here are a few choice quotes and curiously they only list the 0-60 as 7.9??? - but then again we all know about listed 0-60s vs reality. It does look pretty nice though:
The 12Nm hike in torque has improved drive out of corners, while the exhaust delivers a satisfying rasp as the revs climb above 4,000rpm. However, if you were hoping to leave drivers of the regular GTi trailing in your dust, you may be disappointed. Although the newcomers in-gear performance is a second quicker from 30-70mph and nine-tenths of a second swifter over the 0-60mph sprint, there seems to be little to choose between them.
So where did the extra 42bhp go? Youll find out when you rev the 180s engine past the 4,000rpm mark. While the variable valve timing does a good job of massaging the torque spread, its only when you work it hard and keep the tacho needle in the upper reaches of the rev band that this really feels the keener machine.
At £14,995, the 180 is priced bang in the middle of the hot hatch pack: the Clio 172 and MINI Cooper S cost less, but the Civic Type R is more. However, the 206s generous equipment tally includes ABS, climate control and a CD player. Whether that and the improved driving experience will be enough to tempt buyers away from the established class leaders is another matter.
http://www.autoexpress.co.ukhttp://www.autoexpress.co.uk
