Only drove our new SE TDi for a few miles today (it is my wife's car after all) but here are a few first impressions. These comments relate to the diesel, can't comment on the petrol models.
Very long gearing - one of the first things that struck me is how astonishingly long the gearing is. At 50 mph in 5th it is turning over at under 1500rpm, that's barely over idle speed. Blunts acceleration in 5th, but no doubt great for economy.
Two stage throttle - you may not notice it at first, but the throtte is very deliberately set up with a two stage spring action. The first 60% of the travel is lightly sprung, but the last 40% has a much stiffer spring action. The intention is clear, this is to discourage you from using all the throttle in normal driving as an aid to economy. Add this to the long gearing, and if you tickle the throttle in 5th at low revs, very little happens. To get some urge, you need to drop a gear and push into the upper section of throttle travel, then the wee beastie takes off.
Cruising - We did some dual cariageway today, and the car (even though split new) is an effortless cruiser. Granted it is slow to collect speed in 5th, but it builds imperceptibly until you are cruising in silence at (ahem) well over the national limit. This was on a very tight engine with zero miles, assume it will get a lot better with some running in. Very impressive, but makes me wish we'd specced the cruise control after all.
Refinement - The magazines have mentioned this and it's true, astonishly refined at speed for such a small car.
Ride - (on SE) firm and contolled, but comfortable.
Steering - Quite simply delicious
Seats - Firm but nicely shaped and comfortable
Drivers Info System - Rather too complex, will need to study this
Conclusion - Very definitely all the feel of a bigger Audi in a small package, I'm impressed.
Very long gearing - one of the first things that struck me is how astonishingly long the gearing is. At 50 mph in 5th it is turning over at under 1500rpm, that's barely over idle speed. Blunts acceleration in 5th, but no doubt great for economy.
Two stage throttle - you may not notice it at first, but the throtte is very deliberately set up with a two stage spring action. The first 60% of the travel is lightly sprung, but the last 40% has a much stiffer spring action. The intention is clear, this is to discourage you from using all the throttle in normal driving as an aid to economy. Add this to the long gearing, and if you tickle the throttle in 5th at low revs, very little happens. To get some urge, you need to drop a gear and push into the upper section of throttle travel, then the wee beastie takes off.
Cruising - We did some dual cariageway today, and the car (even though split new) is an effortless cruiser. Granted it is slow to collect speed in 5th, but it builds imperceptibly until you are cruising in silence at (ahem) well over the national limit. This was on a very tight engine with zero miles, assume it will get a lot better with some running in. Very impressive, but makes me wish we'd specced the cruise control after all.
Refinement - The magazines have mentioned this and it's true, astonishly refined at speed for such a small car.
Ride - (on SE) firm and contolled, but comfortable.
Steering - Quite simply delicious
Seats - Firm but nicely shaped and comfortable
Drivers Info System - Rather too complex, will need to study this
Conclusion - Very definitely all the feel of a bigger Audi in a small package, I'm impressed.