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Ariel Atom 160bhp

When Ariel suggested we tried its new 'user-friendly' Atom, we were a little confused. After all, this car looks like an electricity pylon on wheels, so practicality is never going to be its strong point.

By Piers Ward

May 2004

When Ariel suggested we tried its new 'user-friendly' Atom, we were a little confused. After all, this car looks like an electricity pylon on wheels, so practicality is never going to be its strong point. But instead of fitting a roof or making the vehicle any less exciting, the company has looked at the engine instead.

The Atom now has a detuned version of Honda's manic i-VTEC unit, giving out 158bhp - 62bhp less than its more muscular brother. Yet the car is still ridiculously fast. The claimed sub-five-second 0-60mph time is entirely plausible, but in reality you can rarely exploit this potential on the road.

With the engine less revvy than the 220bhp unit and a low 500kg weight, first gear is short, yet snatching second is no hassle with the slick five-speed box. Suspension is now non-adjustable, the tyres are road rather than track-biased, there's less grip and the ride is still far from comfortable, but the 160 does feel more civilised than the 220. At less than ΂£20,000, it represents fine value for money. As a car for summer fun, there are few better options.

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FIRST OPINION

    Less power barely dents the Atom's performance - but now the chassis is more usable. One of the UK's smallest auto makers goes from strength to strength.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Lower-powered model on sale now, offering same no-frills fun
 
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