My Car

This baby is my pride and joy - a Citroen Saxo VTS. With a perky 1.6i 16v 120bhp engine and a lightweight body,it's fast enough to surprise many a driver. A top speed of 127mph (I've managed 135 on the clock in Germany)and a 0-60 time of sub 7 seconds are more than respectable. It's no longer standard with a lot of new kit, including a Magnex Stainless exhaust system and de-cat pipe, Janspeed Manifold, FSE Power valve, K&N 57i system, EBC kevlar brake pads, Kenwood head unit, Citroen roofline spoiler and an injured sill spoiler from that parking shunt. Must get that fixed one day. I'm estimating that the new mods have given it the under 6 second 0-60 with about 140 bhp - or a not-too shabby 150+ bhp per ton.

I've had it since new and have had one or two minor problems, but nothing that takes away the enjoyment of planting the throttle and hearing the satisfying "blaaaart" from the new exhaust as I bolt through the local speed limit (40mph). In fact, 1st gear is good for practically 40mph on it's own - annoyingly the rev-limiter hits at 39mph. Still good enough to get in trouble with the law, though.

I've taken the car to the UK once to visit Aberystwyth, and seriously enjoyed it's handling and sheer speed. Motorways are no problem at all, cruising merrily around the 110mph mark. Overtaking is similarly easy as dropping into 3rd gear places you straight in the power band, with 3rd taking the car to 90mph.

Both the car and I loved the thrash across Europe over Easter 2000 to the Nurburgring (see following pages for more info) when I really pushed the car. I took a mate as co-driver/nav and went with Big Dave & pal in his Impreza. The brakes lasted well on the track,while the exhaust system gives it a throaty growl at lower revs and a sexy howl higher up the range. Excellent!

We've going over to the 'Ring again at the end of August and the car is almost ready to go. I know I'm looking forward to it, as the new power should see a faster lap-time and better acceleration all round. Anyone at the 'Ring over the Easter Bank holiday weekend, watch out as there will be a good Jersey contingent of 5 cars and 1 bike going!