Hiya,
I had a 13 reg 1.6 for 4.5 years and liked it, I liked the rorty engine sound and the very responsive throttle, the steering was too vague and also too light, but the ride was good (16" wheels) it had some road & wind noise, but not too oppressive and the gear-change/clutch/brakes were good.
Then I recently moved to a 17 reg 1.2T and expected/hoped for all round improvements with the face lift car.....the engine sound is horrid (expected), the throttle has a dead spot about 1500 rpm, but OK considering it is a turbo, but it has much more punch than the 1.6. The steering is much better - heavier and noticeably more direct, but considering Toyota apparently improved the suspension and the refinement, the ride on 16" wheels seems worse than the older 1.6 and I see no improvement in refinement either. I wonder if the suspension change actually made it harder/stiffer to help to give more direct steering?
What are other peoples experience of the two cars?