Warning - Auxiliary Drive Belts

More than a hint of Mini (sorry MINI) about it. But 45 km/h max speed! And the fuel consumption at 3.5l/100km (81mpg) isn't really so good when you consider that VW built a Lupo with lightweight materials and a turbocharged 3 cylinder diesel engine that could do 3 l/100km (94mpg) and still had a top speed more than twice that of the SP.
 
2cvbloke said:
That little sans-permis car looks like a mini-bmw-mini, probably about the size of a genuine-mini.... O-Ha
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Exactly what I thought. I was expecting something like the Reliant Robin, but that is a not a bad urban car.


The Dacia were meant to be introduced to the UK but they are so popular on the continent that production can't keep up with demand. They are essentially last generation Renault technology in a Dacia body. Being cheap and reliable is what has made them so popular. I doubt most owners care what they look like but I think the Micra looks much better.
 
Tivù said:
1. A Drive belt should last 120000 km - They don't. Half that, if you're lucky.
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In the same vein, the fuel filter should be replaced at some stage.

I would suggest around every 75,000 miles. It is important because it lowers wear in the engine block by stopping bits of crap getting in there and contaminating the oil. Easy to DIY compared to the drive belt.
 
PaulR said:
More than a hint of Mini (sorry MINI) about it. But 45 km/h max speed! And the fuel consumption at 3.5l/100km (81mpg) isn't really so good when you consider that VW built a Lupo with lightweight materials and a turbocharged 3 cylinder diesel engine that could do 3 l/100km (94mpg) and still had a top speed more than twice that of the SP.
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I don't think that there's any pretension of an 'eco' side to these cars (I think they run on diesel too) other than the fact that because they are light and have a small engine you can get good MPG. Maybe they'll try and improve their green credentials, I don't know. However there is a high percentage of older sans permis cars out there, holding up tractors and emitting clouds of diesel smoke whilst sounding like a chainsaw on tickover.

The greatest concern amongst French road users is that, should you be stupid enough to drink, drive, be caught and subsequently lose your licence, you can get back on the road in one of these. Admittedly, you will only be able to speed along at 45KPH but I certainly wouldn't fancy coming round a bend and seeing one of these weaving across the road, driven by someone who has continued to drink and drive despite being banned. I seem to remember there was talk of stopping banned drivers from taking this option a while back, though I haven't heard anything about it lately.
 
PaulR said:
when you consider that VW built a Lupo with lightweight materials and a turbocharged 3 cylinder diesel engine that could do 3 l/100km (94mpg) and still had a top speed more than twice that of the SP.
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That only happens if you drive at 14 miles an hour in 5th gear, never press the accelerator pedal more than a few degrees of travel, and never ever brake, otherwise, if you drive like normal, the thing is just as "efficient" as a big ol' V8 petrol powered Jag... :confused:
 
2cvbloke said:
That only happens if you drive at 14 miles an hour in 5th gear, never press the accelerator pedal more than a few degrees of travel, and never ever brake, otherwise, if you drive like normal, the thing is just as "efficient" as a big ol' V8 petrol powered Jag... :confused:
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A Jag will always rust to the point where it is probably no heavier than a Bini in the first place, however the idea that modern diesels require 'regeneration' of their vital parts that illuminate the dashboard, by a blat down the motorway (of some 100 miles) defeats the notion of 'ecological' imo.

Even our local garage (MOT/kebab/off-licence) promotes taking the car/van out for a long run beforehand to improve the chance of passing whatever emission test is now the minimum.
 
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