After all the deliberation & tweaking of bank accounts, finally took the plunge, picked her up on Saturday. Metallic black, black leather, Sat Nav Plus, TV, DVD, cruise, armrest, RS6 alloys. Absolutely smitten.
For my everyday driving requirements, the car is exceptional IMO: yes the clutch is a little "fierce" on take up, but much lighter and easier to control than the B5, I love the gearbox contrary to several owners' comments, and the car looks the dog's danglies but still retains an air of exclusivety and class (I'm not a snob, honest
)The most disconcerting characteristic I've found is the way the car's steering suddenly weights up on cornering: not that it's a bad thing, just takes a little getting used to. You can literally be driving round town with one finger - the steering is so light (perfect for me) - then into a moderately fast corner and it's 2 hands on the wheel, or else....
But the power delivery is just gorgeous - effortless yet enthralling - and the noise! Oh the noise! Wasn't 100% convinced when I got to the dealers, but a quick blip on the throttle from the salesman with me & excited brother outside the car, and the deal was as good as done
The car seems to be able to dispense of corners that would have drivers of other cars white-knuckled with such ease and grace, hardly a murmur from the ESP, and the suspension set up at speed is near perfect (though I can understand the comments regarding porpoising, but no road surface has spolit my enjoyment yet...)
My worries over MPG figures seem to have disappeared for the moment, though gentle town driving is knocking up around 15 - 16, and a long run at 75 mph produced 24. But what the heck, sod holidays this year, it's worth improving Mr. BP's pension just for the song from the tailpipes
