British Built.

[civie]

Turning Japanese

HI Folks, For those of you who do not read autoexpress, here is an interesting article from this weeks issue.

Which is the best British-Built Japanese car? We test UK-built stars from Nissan, Honda and Toyota


May 2007


British motor manufacturing was booming in the late Sixties and early Seventies. At its peak, Austin, Morris and Rover helped this country churn out 1.92 million cars a year. Much has changed since then, of course, but the UK still has a motor industry to be reckoned with – and it’s the Japanese firms that are driving it along.

Between them, Nissan, Toyota and Honda produced 45 per cent of the 1.7 million cars made in Britain in 2006 – and this year, all three manufacturers are set to make even more.

As the trio are all producing popular family hatchbacks at their UK facilities, we got them together for a shoot-out.

Nissan is returning to this market with the Qashqai – a crossover vehicle that blurs the boundaries between compact SUV and conventional hatch. But it doesn’t have the monopoly on looks and image, as it’s up against the Honda Civic. Its ultra-modern styling caused a real stir when it was first launched, and thanks to its smooth 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine and excellent interior, it’s currently our class-leader.

Then there’s the new Toyota Auris. In terms of styling, there’s less to get excited by, but as with its Corolla predecessor, it’s certainly a strong all-rounder, with superb reliability, and represents excellent value for money. So which of the three UK facilities turns out the best product? Join us as we reveal all.



VERDICT

These three models prove car manufacturing is thriving in the UK, and it’s great to see foreign car makers have faith in British workmanship. The fact that each firm will produce even more models this year than in 2006 illustrates confidence in the industry, too – good news for the future.

We were impressed with the build quality and finish on each, but the Civic retains its class crown with its futuristic looks, user-friendly interior, strong dynamics and punchy yet refined 2.2-litre diesel.

Second place goes to the Qashqai. We’d have liked a more versatile interior, but the crossover is a great family car, with strong handling, while the light steering and decent forward visibility make it ideal for town use.

The Auris does little wrong – it’s safe and reassuring, with a good ride for comfortable long trips. But it doesn’t stand out here, and is uninspiring

[Charles_Harding]

That's lucky I've got one of those Space Ships.

It ain't arf good.

Nice the others think likewise tho'.

Thanks for that Civie.

"Soap-on-a-rope: For those who wish to hang themselves whilst having a shower!"

Charles H.

[Obo]

Obviously I love my civic and dad has got a qashqai which he loves both are nice cars but the civic wins hands down on looks and interior IMO

[civie]

Looking at all 3 british built cars here, in my opinion only 2 manufacturers have brought out "new" cars,.......Honda with the 2006 civic and Nissan with the Quashqai, although the civic name has been used for a few varients of the car it is totally new chassis,bodyshell,etc, Nissan on the other hand have brought out a totally new car, crossover between hatch and suv, (gud on them for being different).......which brings me onto Toyota, Surely this is just a revamp of the outgoing corrola, It has a few different touches interior/exterior..but theres no mistaking it's family tree.

[czechplastik]

Originally Posted by civie

Toyota, Surely this is just a revamp of the outgoing corrola, It has a few different touches interior/exterior..but theres no mistaking it's family tree.

Thats why the Auris is so incomprehensibly dull, they need to do a 'Honda' with the next one.

[FWH]

Main problem with the Auris is the warranty package.

3 year factory guarantee, 12 years rust guarantee, 3 years paint guarantee and 100% guarantee to fall asleep at the wheel because it is so BORING!

[QB@_Q]

Auris is just so boring

[pcr]

Don't know about the Auris, but I traded in a six year old Corolla for this Civic, I would take it back tomorrow if I could. The Civic looks good, is a bit more lively, and a bit more economical, but the pain of ownership is just not worth it.

[diabach56]

Originally Posted by pcr

Don't know about the Auris, but I traded in a six year old Corolla for this Civic, I would take it back tomorrow if I could. The Civic looks good, is a bit more lively, and a bit more economical, but the pain of ownership is just not worth it.

Yup!!, Civic build quality is CRAPPPPPPPPPP. worst car for quality issues ive ever had.

But DESIGN, LOOKS, & TECH, Superb.

2.2 EX, "fabulous engine"

[bigal]

Originally Posted by pcr

Don't know about the Auris, but I traded in a six year old Corolla for this Civic, I would take it back tomorrow if I could. The Civic looks good, is a bit more lively, and a bit more economical, but the pain of ownership is just not worth it.

It does get you down when you think of the money you've paid for a brand new car thought about getting shot of it myself a few times but the dash diesel engine and the looks of the car make it worth while(just)

[Power_of_Dreams]

Im not biased but our Civics are the best...

Shame mines going back im getting a new CRV :P

[diabach56]

The positive's still don't outweigh the negatives though.....


SHAME...............

[Power_of_Dreams]

they do otherwise the car wouldnt be selling as well as it is at the moment!