Review written on 5/1954.
The press around the Donut Spell may look more appealing than the Mage. But is it really a better Coupe? As long as it's not as bad as the Z5012, Donut should be happy with their results. We luckily have a test model to figure out where this vehicle stands in the market. And if it lives up to what the advertisements are saying about it.
On my first track run in the Donut Spell suffered 2 cracked rips and a ruptured spleen. Not from wrecking it, but from the sheer raw power of this Coupe. The Spell's 87 hp @ 4441RPMs 2551 cc I4 engine drives you into the seats while you accelerate with an impressive 22.334s 0 to 60 mph time and a top speed of 109 mph. The Spell is able to keep this speed all the way up to the the top speed of 109 mph. Hooked up to our test trailer, the 83 lb-ft of torque were able to tow 22 lbs. In the real world the Donut Spell could not even handle a U-turn, let alone our beloved test track. Why the hell would engineers at Donut even put a steering wheel on this train? This has to be one of the worst handling Coupe I have ever driven. After my hospital visit, I came to the conclusion that this is the best Coupe I've ever tested on the track. Buy IT NOW!!!
When it comes to comforts and luxury, the Donut Spell isn't going to win any awards. It barely meets what you need in a vehicle. The seats are hard and uncomfortable for long trips. Features are a little barren, but it has the basic necessities. Material quality leaves a bit to be desired. We would not pay a premium price for this interior finish, but if you're looking for A to B transportation, it is almost tolerable.
Above average to good is what a friend of mine said when trying to load some junk into the 19 cu-ft of space inside the Donut Spell. He was right! The Spell is above average for vehicles in this segment. It is one of the more practical vehicles of this type on the market.
It may not be much in this day and age, but the Donut Spell is above its class average when we looked at the physical quality of the machine. While other manufacturers cut corners, Donut looks to keep their image and public perception high. They do a good job at that with the Spell.
Reliability of the Donut Spell is not good. It's really dependent on how well you take care of the vehicle and luck of the draw. Almost all Spell have some sort of issue within their lifetime. But it's never exactly enough of a pain to make you regret your purchasing decision. If avoiding the mechanic shop is your priority, it may be best to look elsewhere.
The 25.3 mpg city and might not look great. And it isn't. But there are worst options out there. That is no excuse however. The Donut Spell needs to squeeze out a little more mileage if it ever wants to be a contender.
The extra effort from Donut to make the Spell feel safer pays off. The reinforced frame makes the vehicle much more impact resistant. Don't go driving into walls your self, just take our word for it.
In the end the Donut Spell provide decent value for the money. It's not the best car in the Coupe segment, but it won't disappoint. You could do a lot worse. If this model appeals to you I see no reason to dissuade you from it.