We say The Idea is decent small car if you're looking for space. If you're looking for a good drive go elsewhere.Performance The Idea’s 1.4-litre petrol runs through a six-speed gearbox providing revs and power. 70 and 90bhp diesels provide more torque than the petrol and are good cruisers.Emissions The 1.3 Multijet can manage 56mpg and 132/gkm – it’s the best bet for running costs in the Idea range.Driving Steering and body lean take the sheen off the drive, while the Idea ‘s suspension struggles to cope with bigger lumps out of the road.Feel Lower-rated engines are noisy when pushed. Road and wind noise is generally suppressed in the Idea.Space Plenty of room for passengers with sliding seats in the back. The Fiat compact MPV’s Rear seats also recline and can be folded, increasing the already-generous bootspace.Equipment CD player and central locking at entry-level. Aircon, climate controls, alloys and electric sunroof at higher specs.Price The Idea is competitively priced with good fuel economy. The Fiat will depreciate fairly heavily.Quality Mechanically there are no problems with the Idea but the materials in the cabin look and feel cheap.Safety ABS and two airbags as standard on the Idea. More bags, ISOFIX child seat mounting at higher specs. Traction control is an option throughout the range.Pros Loads of room for passengers and storage.Cons Feels cheap, doesn't drive well.Alternatives Vauxhall Meriva, Daihatsu Sirion
