"some things i wouldnt agree with you on are the stereo and the mpg. for 250bhp to get 40mpg on a run to aberdeen and back is excellent. my cooper s and clio sport would struggle to reach 26mpg regardless on how i drove it."
I think you miss understood me, it's unbelievable that they get 40mpg at a constant 70mph its just the guilt when it drops to 25mpg when your not thinking about economy and driving it like a gti, that's what I found anyway. If I remember correctly mine was doing 30mpg @ 90mph, next time somebody's out see what it says at 90mph with the cruise on for a while please.
The problem with light cars is you die when you crash, that's why cars are havier nowadays. Also build quality and materials suffers, that's what Japanese cars are for, but no thanks. Give me a fatty with a big engine and some solid trim and panels.
i agree with car safety being a priority when buying a car.
one reason i chose the golf was the safety rating for backseat passangers is just about the best in class i think. its obviously a huge selling point when you have kids
the thing im getting at with weight is the way manufacturers seem to be fitting more and more crap every model year.
the likes of noise makers for the engine, electronic handbrakes etc are totally unnecessary and add weight and cost to car and are of absolutely no benefit to the owner. puddle lights? never once needed them. heated mirrors? never once used them. all unnecessary really.
cars seem to be chasing low emissions nowadays with fancy engine but if they just were more sensible with the add ons which do nothing they could save a shed load of weight, lower emissions and make the car better in every way.
