BS AU 145e plates actually became enforcable Aug 2021 which also took out the metal German style plates even though they were legal BS AU 145d as I was looking to get some, it's to do with they have to made from reflective material not added on reflection but the metal plates makers have somehow got around this as I managed to get some legal metal ones with the 'e' on.
It will affect all cars regardless of age if you fit new plates as plate dealers can only supply BS AU 145e now, it doesn't mean every one has to replace their plates.
83-99 was the last time they use a letter prefix for year 83 being A and 2001 being Y and they only used to issue plates once a year in August so there was a massive spike in car sales around then, they introduced issuing them twice a year after that went to a AAOO the first 2 letters being the area identifier followed by year of reg,
But yeah that article is all over the shop, 22 and 72 are the next numbers in line for the year nothing changing there!
Engine control relay, think it's 30 or 109 iirc, I had one, was pain to diagnose as it could be fine for days then just stop and start when it felt like it
Well I can give you a short term review now after doing a few hundred in it.
Being near 6ft took me a while to find a good seat position and still not sure if I've nailed it as my ankle aches a bit but that could just be getting used to muscle memory of a different car, pedals are quite close together but you get used to them, there is no space on the left to rest clutch foot but it doesn't really bother me.
Diesel engine doesn't sound very refined but once on the go it's very smooth through the revs and pulls like a train in D, it starts in N which is quite sedate and light on steering, I'd say it's detuned to the lower 140 map in N, if you then hold the acc and click it in to D all hell breaks loose and it surges, the steering weightens up and throttle response is instant, bit like driving a PAS MK2 then a non PAS MK2 back to back.
Engine is a FIAT affair and pretty reliable by all accounts, used in a lot of FIAT and ALFA, I also believe some Vauxhalls use the base engine.
Talking of MK2's it does remind me of one in a way with the steering and gearbox, it's notchy but precise, you don't miss a gear and the gearknob just feels right in the hand, has a normal handbrake too which is a bonus these days.
Seats, well they are just the nuts, supportive but comfy and just look at them! 129k and seems to be no wear, same with all the interior it shows little to no wear and everything works, the materials are all a mix of soft and hard but it works, the leather wheel is nice to hold and chunky, reminds me of a MOMO.
It has Blue and Me which connects to phone for calls and you have controls on wheel, still figuring it out a bit but it works well, it doesn't stream music though which is a pain, but it has a USB aux in which I just connected an old IPod to and it works great with steering wheel, also has voice commands but not explored these much yet.
Dash clocks are very sporty and the trip computer has a lot of info, it also has a boost gauge in the display which is quite cool.
Driving wise in D it's quick if you hit the loud pedal and steering is pointy and precise, I've pushed it to the limit and it stays composed, not much body roll and quite stiff, I'm liking it, not had a hatchback for many years and it takes me back to the MK2 driving days.
Would I buy one, well I did but it was based on cost, the equivalent Golf 2011 120 odd k would have cost me more than double what I paid for this maybe even triple, yes I got it cheap but looking around they are sub 3k anyway which to me is a steal.
If you are looking to buy one I would go for a slightly later one with the updated infotainment system and also lower tax, this is 130 a year but I think 2014 on are 30 quid a year, buy on condition and a FSH is a must as they are 20k service intervals, for the spec you get for the price it's a no brainer, forget the ALFA of old, this is essentialy a FIAT in an ALFA frock, is it the best in it's class 'no' but pound for pound I'd say yes and it isn't a Golf/Focus/Astra etc etc
