nice, what did you think of the car?
Absolutely fantastic, surpassed my expectations tbh. I have driven a few before but only on test drives, but to live with you really appreciate how well rounded it is. I have done roughly 3k miles in it. It is happy on a cruise, albeit a bit noisy with 255/30/19 tyres and frameless doors, but the hifi is actually remarkably good for none HK, possibly better than the HK system in my e46! It has torque all over the show, anywhere from 1200rpm all the way to the redline you're going to make very good progress, especially after 2k...turbo lag is almost unnoticeable, only once or twice did I notice it and even then it was very minor.
The radar cruise control is an amazing impreovement over standard, but takes some getting used to, really simplifies heavy but moving motorway traffic.
The auto box is simply fantastic. I've had a 320D with auto for an extended period before, and it just wasn't right. I'm guessing this is a different box thoigh, as it's a sport box with paddles, but it changes gear quicker than I could realistically manage in a manual and not having to take your hands of the wheel allows you to press on nicely. I personally never thought I'd EVER say that about a torque converter auto, as I historically hate them, but when the time comes for me to move up to a 335i I certainly won't be writing off the auto! Would rather a 7 speed DCT though.
It sounds awesome. Here's a video of the exhaust, quite dark but listen to it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tooefyI8rIs
The turbos are far more audible than I remember them being, can really hear them spooling up and down, and the exhaust is raspy.
The seats are VERY good, especially the inflateable side bolsters....nice and relaxed on the motorway, pump them up and as good as a bucket for the back roads.
Speaking of back roads, it loves them....very little bodyroll and hides its weight well, and of course it is quick even if you end up in slightly the wrong gear. The 19s and msport suspension make it a little unsettled over bumps, but its just something that takes getting used to. At the MM, I had a 2005 impreza wrx sti type UK chasing me up the road at one point, and the owner flagged me down for a chat at the end as he was baffled as to how I was keeping a decent lead over him. you know the car is fairly quick when it's outpulling a WRX STi on a country road, and he knew the road well.
Here's a video from that road:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM6O5w96BzM
it's pretty poor on fuel if you drive it like it wants to be driven, but itll get mid 30s on a motorway run, and this morning I got 27mpg on the commute to work from cold over 5 miles through MCR city centre at 8am....which is more than ample if you're trying! It leaves the options up to you, sensible commuter or fuel hungry beast.
All in all, I do think it's by far the most complete car I've driven to date, it does everything well. I really would like to drive a stage 3 or 4 evolve tuned one, as it must be an even more incredible experience...306bhp/300ft lb of torque standard to 420/420 on a stage 3 for <£3k? Must be an absolute beast.
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