I'm not a mechanic or an automotive engineer, but how can a 240 bhp car at 1300kg be underpowered.

A 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds and restricted to 150 mph? It may deliver the power differently but it can't be said to be underpowered.

Oh and its £21,995 about the same price as a BMW 318se(without leather)

 

'underpowered compared to the top expectations' is the crucial phrase: as in it doesn't match the usual suspects like the 350Z, Lancia Delta, Mitsubishi Evo, Scooby etc etc. However, it beats the Lotus Elise of course but that only weighs 760Kg. It's on a par with the Porsche Boxter though (not the 'S'). I drive a Rover 214 SEi with 115bhp and no noticeable torque at all so I doubt I'll be complaining too much

 

I would have thought almost any car would be an improvement on the 214

 

You're not far wrong about the 214 but in its defence I should say that I have the 1.4 litre K16 engine that (in its 1.8 form) powers the Caterham-7 and Lotus Elise. Even in the heavy Rover it manages 0-60 in 10.5 and 115bhp (not bad for a 1.4 family car) and the vehicle does handle really well. At least I have a 2 door SEi, so a bit of leather and less weight helps. It's a useful car for load carrying because of the huge tailgate and it's also good to have a vehicle that can be dented with impunity so I'll keep it running even when I have the Mazda. It's far from sexy though!