The rear storage is lockable. You might be able to fit a very small space saver spare in there...I haven't tried. The handling was "dissed" by one anonymous guy in an autocross video on the net. There was no basis for his comments or reference provided of his credentials to justify his comment on the car. Frankly, it sounded like someone with a inherent bias (kind of like the lifelong Ford vs Chevy feud). And, there is no information provided as to the tires, set-up, or skill of the driver mentioned.
If you search the forum, you will see that I also owned a Westfield Seven previously. I don't want to start a feud here, but the S1 is a much better handling car when set up properly. Naturally, as with any car, you have to be willing to invest the time in setting it up (ride height, corner balance, alignment, spring rates, damping settings, etc.). I was pleased when I made the switch.