How should a 1.0 16v perform?

[tomosllyr]

My girlfriend's just got herself a very nice 1.0 16v vvti S as her first car. However, she's worried that there's something wrong with it as she expected it to be quicker than it is. I've already said I'll take it for a spin when I get home (at University at the moment), but I was just wandering what it should be like to drive?

I know it'll be lacking in torque as it's 16v, but I'm guessing it should be quite nippy as it's 67bhp in a small car? Does it sound normal if it's struggling to reach 60mph in fifth? She also mentioned that there seems to be very little throttle travel - does this sound normal?

I'm sure I'll be able to tell when I drive it if it's okay or not, but just wanted to get an idea.

[BluYrs]

The throttle is electric, so it could feel a bit different than cable-controlled counterparts.

As for the struggling bit- I always pull in fourth when I'm doing less than 60 mph and need to overtake someone. Third is an option below 50. The 1-litre engine is unwilling to accelerate in fifth when you're doing less than 60, but it should start picking up speed nicely (in fifth) once you've crossed the 60 mph line.

The engine definitely becomes more lively in higher revs, so my advice for a stab at spirited driving is to rev the nuts off the thing.

The thing I like about it is the engine note. The 3-banger sounds interesting and dare I say even sporty.

[tomosllyr]

Yeah I thought it would need a lot of reving because it's a small engine. Like I said I'll have a drive when I get back - normally quite good with cars so hopefully I'll be able to tell if anything's up. I just wanted to know what they should feel like so that I know there's nothing majorly wrong!

[bronsin]

Also check the fuel mileage if possible/practical. If below par that would also be an indication of problems. I wonder if you can observe the linkage at the throttle body moving when you fully depress the gas pedal? It might be possible to move it by hand its full travel then see if the pedal does the same.

Good Luck!

[tomosllyr]

I had a little drive last weekend, and it does need a rev but I'm pretty sure it goes as it should. Quite nippy! And it's done 52mpg so doesn't look as if there's a problem.

On another note though - should a S spec have central locking? I found it wierd that a 53 plate car didnt have central locking.

[advocate]

the throttle is by wire and thus laggy

the engine has quite a lot of movement as well. this translates into more throttle lag as the initial throttle actually shakes the engine.

I think the MPG is the perfect indication of the car's performance. If the car struggles to get to high speeds then it could be a power issue.