A
Anonymous
Guest
Took the RCZ for a couple of runs today, to and from work (about half an hour each way on a particularly badly surfaced, but fun-in-places B road) and to pick up some dry cleaning (on the nice smooth A420). Overall I'm still delighted with my purchase, with the following observations so far (and some comparisons with my Jag XKR and Skoda Octavia):
What's good?
* Love the way the 1.6 200 engine picks up, got a real punch and can get you up to a decent speed in no time. I really didn't feel like I was missing that much power compared to the XKR (400 vs 200BHP!) and overtaking was easy!
* Also like how 'lazy' you can be with the gears, roundabouts in 2nd or 3rd are a doddle
* Liking the 'sporty growl' engine sound too, not as bassy as the Jag and could do with being a bit louder but a Ruffer exhaust will sort that in time!
* The handling and grip available at speed is excellent and I'd disagree with some of the professional reviews that say the steering lacks feel, 'feels' fine to me!
* Love the interior, especially the stitched leather door trimming. A very special place to be (even compared to the XKR) and think the bluetooth and auto toys are excellent
* Love the shape (again even compared to the XKR it is beautiful, but in a different way), especially from rear 3/4 or behind
* Love the view from inside, again some claim it is restrictive but rear view ain't that bad and those huge door mirrors are excellent
* Like the short throw gearbox, although first gear could do with being a bit 'taller'
* HUUUUGE boot!
* Front & Rear Parking sensors are epic, although they go from CLOSE to OH SH!T a bit quickly! :lol:
* Got 32 mpg on way to work today, despite some 'performance experimentation' :lol:
What's bad?
* Low speed ride quality is poor on bad/bumpy roads, guess this is down to 19" wheels and fixed dampers vs variable hydraulic versions on other cars, although the Skoda with basic shocks makes far less fuss down the same road... The Jag is firm on 20" wheels and makes more fuss of certain surfaces, whereas the RCZ is firm but pleasant over most of the cratered landscape that I cover on the way to work. A particular type of surface really seems to catch it out though and makes it feels unsettled, which is a shame
* Seat belt stowed position is dreadful as you have to twist in your seat or reach across yourself to get it, shame there's not an additional holder like on some other cars to make it more accessible (I can however understand why it is that far back due to the window/B-pillar)
* No spare wheel/spacesaver/jack, although the combined foam/inflator is a neat idea in principle I guess
So couple of bad points, outweighed on the whole by a load of good points - Overall I think it's a superb car based on initial impressions, very well thought out and executed with good attention to detail on the small things - brushed door handles, chrome rings, sensible infotainment system, dipping available on both mirrors etc, the list is long! I've yet to do a long run it it but I'm hoping the rest of the ownership experience in general is going to be similarly pleasant! Would love to hear anyone else's comments or replies on their experiences in comparison... :thumbup:
What's good?
* Love the way the 1.6 200 engine picks up, got a real punch and can get you up to a decent speed in no time. I really didn't feel like I was missing that much power compared to the XKR (400 vs 200BHP!) and overtaking was easy!
* Also like how 'lazy' you can be with the gears, roundabouts in 2nd or 3rd are a doddle
* Liking the 'sporty growl' engine sound too, not as bassy as the Jag and could do with being a bit louder but a Ruffer exhaust will sort that in time!
* The handling and grip available at speed is excellent and I'd disagree with some of the professional reviews that say the steering lacks feel, 'feels' fine to me!
* Love the interior, especially the stitched leather door trimming. A very special place to be (even compared to the XKR) and think the bluetooth and auto toys are excellent
* Love the shape (again even compared to the XKR it is beautiful, but in a different way), especially from rear 3/4 or behind
* Love the view from inside, again some claim it is restrictive but rear view ain't that bad and those huge door mirrors are excellent
* Like the short throw gearbox, although first gear could do with being a bit 'taller'
* HUUUUGE boot!
* Front & Rear Parking sensors are epic, although they go from CLOSE to OH SH!T a bit quickly! :lol:
* Got 32 mpg on way to work today, despite some 'performance experimentation' :lol:
What's bad?
* Low speed ride quality is poor on bad/bumpy roads, guess this is down to 19" wheels and fixed dampers vs variable hydraulic versions on other cars, although the Skoda with basic shocks makes far less fuss down the same road... The Jag is firm on 20" wheels and makes more fuss of certain surfaces, whereas the RCZ is firm but pleasant over most of the cratered landscape that I cover on the way to work. A particular type of surface really seems to catch it out though and makes it feels unsettled, which is a shame
* Seat belt stowed position is dreadful as you have to twist in your seat or reach across yourself to get it, shame there's not an additional holder like on some other cars to make it more accessible (I can however understand why it is that far back due to the window/B-pillar)
* No spare wheel/spacesaver/jack, although the combined foam/inflator is a neat idea in principle I guess
So couple of bad points, outweighed on the whole by a load of good points - Overall I think it's a superb car based on initial impressions, very well thought out and executed with good attention to detail on the small things - brushed door handles, chrome rings, sensible infotainment system, dipping available on both mirrors etc, the list is long! I've yet to do a long run it it but I'm hoping the rest of the ownership experience in general is going to be similarly pleasant! Would love to hear anyone else's comments or replies on their experiences in comparison... :thumbup:
