Mk2.5 (NB-FL)

The Mk2 was updated for the 2001 model year, the changes significant enough for people to differentiate it as the NB-FL or – colloquially – the Mk2.5. They are all NBs by the chassis number, however.

The easiest way to tell the Mk2.5 apart from the Mk2 is by the headlights, which are a more modern design with three chambers on the later car. The reshaped front bumper is also a giveaway, the single opening on the Mk2 joined by additional apertures either side of the main intake. These carry either fog lights or blanking plates depending on the model.

Mechanical changes included variable valve timing on the 1.8 engine, increasing power to 146ps with a similar gain in torque and improved response across the rev range. Most stuck with the regular five-speed gearbox but the 1.8i Sport gained the six-speed gearbox and is a tenth faster 0-62mph, as well as being more flexible. This version also got the desirable Bilstein dampers and Torsen limited-slip combination seen previously on the 10th Anniversary.

Equipment is also better on Mk2.5s, with Isofix child seat mounts on later versions, seat belt pre-tensioners and even the option of sat-nav for the first time. Special editions with different paint and hood combinations were again a feature of the Mk2.5, options including the Phoenix, Arizona, Nevada and Indiana (spot the theme…) plus ultra-high spec Trilogy (supplied with a silver keyring with three diamonds) and the Angels. The Icon was a run-out edition released before production ended in 2005.