We say
Top Gear's reasonably priced car was selected simply for being some overwhelmingly average, which should tell you everything.
Performance
There’s just a single petrol engine available with the Liana and the 1.6-litre unit is worth 105bhp. If that sounds underpowered then you might be surprised to hear that it clears 60mph in 11.3 seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 109mph. Don’t be fooled by bare statistics though, you will have to work it hard to return anything like those figures.
Emissions
Emissions and fuel economy figures are poor on the TV stalwart and it is capable of 169g/km and returns just 40mpg. That’s weak in a segment that’s becoming increasingly eco-conscious.
Driving
Terrible ride, although cornering and body roll aren't too bad. The saloon version of the Liana is famously thrashed around a racecourse in Top Gear's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car but it’s just as comfortable on standard UK roads.
Feel
Noisy on the motorway, especially as the Liana needs to be pushed to get the best out of it, the ride is also harsh and genuinely uncomfortable.
Space
There’s a surprising amount of room inside the Liana, which is possibly the reason behind its ugly, bulbous roofline; it frees up head room.
Equipment
Central locking, CD player and electric windows as standard. Higher trim adds alloys and aircon.
Price
The Liana is very cheap and opens at a little under £10,000. You should be able to get your hands on some excellent discounts though. Running costs are disappointing.
Quality
The Liana should be fairly reliable in terms of its engine, whether the same can be said of the interior, we’re not sure. It’s a definite budget car and is crammed full of cheap plastics and hard surfaces.
Safety
ABS, twin front airbags, deadlocks and immobiliser are standard.
Pros
There’s plenty of room inside the Liana and it’s available for less than £10,000.
Cons
Generally the Liana is a nasty car. It looks bad, has a cheap interior, quite a thirsty engine and handles poorly on UK roads.
Alternatives
Skoda Octavia, Nissan Almera
