Scottish Elises

Just back from the family Christmas, which as usual was a chance to drive a couple of new cars, top of the list being my bro's BMW Z4 2.5 Si Sport. I liked the idea of this car - the styling has grown on me, it has a 225bhp silky smooth straight 6 and seems to get favourable reviews in the press. Sadly I have to report that it one of the most disappointing, in fact one of the worst all round cars I have ever driven. Things took a turn for the worse as soon as I got in. The drivers seat doesn't go nearly far enough back or low enough for my 6ft 2 frame. Then it all goes really pear shaped when you start moving. The ride is just comically bad, not helped on this car by 18 inch run flats and the sports suspension option. It makes the Exige feel like a pillowy limo in comparison, and not even my old Westfield was as bone jarring as this thing. Then there is the steering. No feel at all, none. The steering on my bogo Focus is way better. It corners flat and there seems to be plenty of grip, but it just doesn't feel even a little bit sporty or involving to drive. What a huge let down. Still, makes you realise what a generally brilliant job Lotus do with the chassis of the Elise and Exige.

Also had a drive in my sister in law's 320d touring which in contrast to the Z4 I really liked. Surprisingly brisk, very comfortable and superb fuel economy. It would make an excellent daily drive to complement the Exige...

Ramblings over. Belated Merry Xmas everyone!

Mark

did you tell your Bro what you thought of it? what did he think of the exige?

mckeann wrote:did you tell your Bro what you thought of it? what did he think of the exige?

Hell, no In the spirit of Christmas goodwill I honestly commented on the cars good points - nice heated seats, super smooth engine, and a good gearchange. He hasn't driven my Exige, but no doubt he would find it twitchy, far too noisy and a pain in the arse to get in and out of. And steering feel? - that's to do with the type of leather on the steering wheel rim, isn't it Each to their own

Mark

poor show

i would have much rather read about the family fued that ensued where you both roared out the street in your respective steeds, whilst cursing to your Wife's that you will never be in the same county as that brother of yours

Thought that when I drove a 911.

Obviously a great car, but just too much metal, mass, space, etc around me, and I felt enclosed and not part of the car.

tut

ryallm wrote: Also had a drive in my sister in law's 320d touring which in contrast to the Z4 I really liked. Surprisingly brisk, very comfortable and superb fuel economy. It would make an excellent daily drive to complement the Exige...

Ramblings over. Belated Merry Xmas everyone!

Mark

I had a shot in my sister-in-law's 320d compact which I expected to hate and was genuinely impressed by in the same way.

MAssively over priced though...

P