Topic: Test Drives-Mondeo,EuroFocus,Megane Coupe

[AVToller]

Once again, why do you guys need so much power? 2.0 seems not enough to you... I have 1.1L and can cope with the traffic, which is wilder in every aspect compared to Canada, with ease. I think you're spoiled with power and cheap gas.

Regards,
Martin

I thoroughly agree with you, Martin. I have no trouble keeping up with traffic and my current car has 88 hp and weighs 2600 + pounds. I really don't believe that anyone NEEDS 200+ hp in a sub-3000 lb car, and for the most part, the extra capacity can't be used anyway. But, it does give one "bragging rights".    My new 1.5L Yaris will have more than enough GO for any condition I'll face, and it will, I suspect, be a lot of fun to toss about if I feel so inclined. 

[s60]

My 100hp 1.6i 16V that I have in my EuroFocus wagon is much stronger feeling then the 2.0 in the Megane Coupe I drove.
The 2.0 in the Megane was not set up correctly IMO for this size of car, by rights this engine should be very adequate,
BTW I noticed in my review I posted the 2.0T which is 165hp, Sorry for the mistake I drove the 2.0 16V at 136hp.

[joie_de_vivre]

I'm not trying to say powerfull engines are senseless, they make driving much more confortable, I agree. But a  200 HP car is a race car in Europe and people used to 80 HP in their previous car would get killed soon I guess. You're used to driving moderate speeds with great amount of power, we have to be used to driving at higher speeds with less power due to higher expences (gas, taxes, prices), which is less confortable and more nervous. I suppose 100 HP is more than enough in a compact car, for Canadians as well as Europeans. My dad has 100 diesel-HP in his Opel and that car goes like a rocket.

The Yaris with 105 is almost a hot hatch. Will the next Echo be called Yaris in Canada or do you live in Europe, AV?

Another picture, this time not from me, but it was taken somewhere in northern Italy, not far away from me:



Not only SLRs are interesting, but also the random road traffic: Smart, Citroën C3 Pluriel, Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat Multipla etc.

Another thing, I guess it's totally normal you didn't manage to get diesel vehicles in Estonia, I doubt they're as popular as in central and southern Europe, are they?

Regards,
Martin

[AVToller]

I live on Vancouver Island, on the west coast of Canada. It was just announced a week ago that the Echo hatchback/Vitz/Yaris will be called the Yaris in Canada starting in October when we get the new model. 

Edit: BTW, I see this picture, but still don't see them on the other thread!

[joie_de_vivre]

Oh yes, now I get it. I heard Vancouver island is very beautifull and has the best climate in Canada.

[AVToller]

Oh yes, now I get it. I heard Vancouver island is very beautifull and has the best climate in Canada.

Shhh, don't tell anyone. We try to convince everyone else that it rains all of the time on the Island. Helps keep it from getting too crowded. 

[Drivesideways]

Also of note in that shot, JdV...the Dodge Magnum in the lot...and is that red one beside it a Viper?...as well as the Grand Cherokee on the road (scroll to the right).

[joie_de_vivre]

It's not a Magnum, it's a 300C touring, only sold in Europe:



And the sports car is probably a Viper, yes. The Viper is the only Dodge-branded car available in Europe and sold in Chrysler dealerships.

The whole thing is probably of journalist presentation of some kind, I really don't get it why so many exotic cars are gathered on a plain dealership yard.

[Drivesideways]

RIght.  I knew about the 300c Touring for Europe.  Was looking for a pic awhile ago but came up empty.