In theory the Liana should put in quite a good performance on the road. The engine has decent power at its disposal and, with a car weighing a modest 1170kg, does not have that much work to do. But the statistics suggest that, with a rather sluggish 0-62mph time of 11.7sec and a top speed of just 109mph, it barely meets the class average.
And in the real world, the picture is gloomier still. The engine needs to be worked hard to deliver reasonable performance, but such is its coarse and loud nature above 4000rpm, you rarely feel inclined to venture into the upper reaches of its rev range.
Driven gently it will crack 40mpg, which is a more impressive result and, combined with a 50 litre fuel tank, means a 400 mile range should be achievable.
Whether you’ll want to drive it that far without taking a rest is another matter altogether. The Liana’s ride quality is so poor that it is the dominant sensation during life on the road with the car. It jars over pot-holes and even on roads that appear quite smooth, but still manages to jiggle sufficiently annoyingly to distract your attention. It handles reasonably well and is extremely forgiving as many cackhanded celebs have found out to their considerable relief. But with such a vocal engine and so poor a ride quality, driving it fast through the bends is the last thing that’s likely to be on your mind.
It is, however, not entirely without merit on the road. The steering is pleasant enough, the brakes strong and reassuring and the five speed gearbox quick and precise.
Overall however, no one ever bought a Liana for its dynamic prowess and it won’t take you long at the wheel to see why.
