170hp 2.0L engine designed with help of the Cosworth magicians.
Excellent torque, for an I4, that comes on strong @ 2200 and stays flat
all the way up to 6000, and then the fun starts. Due to variable valve
timing and intake runner length (yes i just said that) this mild
mannered little car becomes rubber burning, torque steering little
monster. Thank goodness for the optional traction control. Braking is
sublime, in spite of the single pot calipers, with nearly no fade and
eye-popping power. Imagine ripping abound a into a tight l/h turn in
third gear (somewhere above the posted speed limit) and you realize
you might be a bit to fast for a front wheel drive... All the sudden the
tail steps out, tightens your line up, and stays there. You gotta try it
some time.