This materials question was perhaps Howarth's first mistake: he decided the Africar was to be built out of plywood!I first became aware of this creation in the late Eighties when maybe six documentaries appeared on Channel Four, all about Howarth's cars. Bob Geldof's intruiging efforts to intervene in the problems of the African continent via a series of Live 8 concerts set me thinking about an earlier, automotive attempt to improve the lives of people in Africa. An attempt that ended, hopefully unlike Live 8, in chaos and inprisonment. He noticed that the cars people were driving were designed for the boulevards and highways of Europe and the US rather than the dirt roads of Africa, where they broke down and disintegrated with great rapidity, often before their owners had finished paying for them.He figured that the indigenous farmer wasn't interested in stylish chrome trim, snazzy seat covers or the latest music features, but instead wanted something robust, cheap and practical to get their goods to market or themselves and their families to town.Howarth decided he could build a vehicle better suited to the harsh African environment; he would call this vehicle The Africar. I'm not sure what this car is trying to be - something between a family car and a sports car, which gives it a hire-car feel. I liked the leather-effect steering wheel and sporty dials, but hated the turquoise plastic. It's a bit too flash for me: I like to drive something more sedate, with more character and a boot I can fit my golf clubs in."THE VERDICTIf you would like to take part, e-mail motoring independent.co.uk or write to: The Verdict, Features Department, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, giving your address, phone number and details of the car, if any, you drive.

I was initially impressed by how nippy and sporty it feels - it is good at speed and has pep But it is bland, like most Japanese cars. It feels solid and safe on the road, with good peripheral vision, but there isn't a lot of headroom - I'm 6ft and felt cramped. The steering is disappointing; I thought it would be sharper in a turbo The brakes need a decent shove to get going Despite the engine, the car doesn't feel that sporty It feels more like a family car I didn't like the gearshift as it felt very fragile. Would I buy it? Not in a million years."Geoff Pesche, 44, sound engineer from Acton, London USUAL CAR AND BIKE: VAUXHALL ASTRA, TRIUMPH 900 SPEED TRIPLEI fell out of love with the Colt within minutes.

I am also not a fan of the suspension - it's juddery and doesn't inspire confidence It isn't a bad car, but it's not individual enough. Also, the high centre of gravity does nothing for cornering - there's a lot of roll. It's too pricey for what it is: a small, rather tinny car."Charlie Stuart, 29, project manager from Twickenham, Middlesex USUAL CAR: BMW 3-SERIESIt feels as though you are sitting on top of the car, not in it. While the driver has great visibility, you don't feel part of the driving experience. The interior is what you would expect - nothing too flashy, and I liked the sporty dials and positioning of the instruments However, a big no-no is the turquoise translucent plastic. Why did Mitsubishi feel the need to include it? The engine is impressive and very quiet when you haven't got your foot flat on the floor. Most of your money must go on the engine in the CZT - fine if that's what floats your boat, but I wouldn't buy one.