Yup -to all the above, got my sri 150 for same reasons as everyone else. Great engine, and very practical. Sport seats aren't designed for long distance comfort though. I find them very short in the squab (not enough support under the thigh), especially if you are tall like me.
Otherwise have managed about 36 - 37 mpg, covering mostly a-road and motorway miles in Wales (so quite hilly), so not bad for it's size and weight.
No problems with EGS sensor, or particulate filter, but then again have done just over 30 thousand miles in two years, on mostly longish trips.
Downside - not very reliable - Complete alternator failure at 46000 miles (just outside of warranty).This is apparently a common fault with ALL VX diesel alternators, expect little sympathy from vx either (plus a bill for £460 inc. vat to replace on my 56 plate)
. This was very scary, as it failed on a dual carriageway - no power steering at 70 odd mph - the power steering is electrically actuatedrunning directly from the alternator, as opposed to "old-fashioned" hydraulic pump operating from an engine drive belt.
Expect to go through front tyres approx every 6 to 7 thousand miles if you drive enthusiastically too. Bridgestone Efficient Grip seem to be doing well at the momentcompared to the Goodyear eagles it had last set. Avoid Avons - these seem to wear down very fast on the inside edges.
Last, but not least - beware
any gearbox noises - mine started grumbling in 6th gear at 70mph last Friday, by Tuesday, after very little use over the weekend this developed into whining in 1st and 2nd gears, plus 5th and 6th gears very noisy indeed, and finally jumping out of gear by the end of the day. Managed to get it to transmission specialist by driving very slowly in 3rd and 4th gears.
Diagnosis - failed transmission bearings at 53000 miles! - This has lead to half the teeth on 6th gear cogs beingsheared off. Garage reckons it's at least the 50th (no exaggeration - sorry!) one he's seen this year - he even had two just like it on the bench when I got there with exact same problem. Apparently it happens to the 120 and 150 hp diesels equally. Expect a bill for at least £650 plus vat. Mostly seems to happen around the 50k mark.
Again - expect no sympathy from Vauxall.
My only consolation with this is that with their new 100k warranty, this is going to cost them a fortune.
Overall - a huge shame. It was a great car when it worked properly, which was most of the time - plenty of power to put the boy racers in their place when required, and held the road well. Mines been a black one - in my opinion best colour, but as it also has the panoramic roof, (really useful storage), it has on occasion been mistaken for a taxi!
So sadly will be looking to px for an S max at earliest opportunity when it comes back from the garage! - Anyone interested? - all the serious problems will be sorted by the time it comes back!!
FSH, and all bills included!