I have test driven some cars recently

[garystu1965]

I have test driven the following cars in the last week as I am looking to replace my C270 CDI.

All of these cars are autos.

This may make interesting reading and goes to show it's not all about what "What Car" says. I think a lot of people just read their reviews and have already decied what car drives best, most comfortable, refined etc without even driving the car !

03 reg CLK 320 petrol
54 reg E320 CDI
56 reg Audi A4 3.0 Quattro TDI
54 reg Audi A6 3.0 Quattro TDI

Verdict....

CLK...nice driving position. Feels solid. But.....noisy engine, lots of road noise and not that quick really. The dealer didn't have the 320 CDI model which I wanted to test.

E320 CDI...was not impressed at all. Surprised how difficult it was to get going. At one point I got out and checked I hadn't been given a E220 by mistake ! The engine is noisy, the road noise is prominent. Wasn't that great in my opinion. I was very surprised. May have driven a dud ???

54 reg Audi A6 3.0 Quattro...fantastic motor. Doesn't sound like a diesel at any revs, brilliant roadholding. Instant power. Just brilliant. Steering is light. The car is a rocket ship. Engine sounds brilliant. Very quiet and refined.

56 reg Audi A4 3.0 Quattro...superb interior. Another rocket ship. Instant power. Liked it. Lovely engine sound.

I want to test drive my C-class in the 3 litre V6 engine and also would love to know what the CLK 320 CDI is like (can't find a vehicle in my area to test).

 

[GrahamC230K]

The E320CDi must have had a fault. Quizzing the dealer about it and seeing how they react/deal with it could be a good test too!

 

[Dieselman]

Culpano
What did you think to the ride and handling of the Audis?
Not usually one of their strong points as the engines are too far forwards.

 

[crockers]

I think you will be very impressed with the C320 CDi - I was so much that I bought my Company car....that's a first...0-60 very good no idea on the time as I can't be assed to time it but its the mid range overtaking....brilliant and I've averaged over 32,000 miles 39.2 mpg. The best on a gentle run no going over 70 mph was 49.5mpg but that is being very very restrained..lol..

With the new one coming out second hand values should be good.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Culpano, are you looking to try the offering diesel offerings from BMW in the 3 and 5 series?

 

[sym]

I had a 56 reg E280 CDI the other week - that was certainly a rocket, so if the E320 felt slow, sounds like you had a dud.

C320 CDI must be pretty rare - can't remember having ever seen one anywhere, in fact (but I bet its quick!)

S.

 

[fuzzer]

go test drive a 535d.!

 

[Carrotchomper]

Culpano
What did you think to the ride and handling of the Audis?
Not usually one of their strong points as the engines are too far forwards.

The one I test drove a few weeks ago (2004 A4 Sport) handled and rode extremely well- No body roll whatsoever and very sharp turn-in.

The one I have now bought does not have the sport suspension but still is very sharp handling-wise and, from initial testing, takes a LOT of beans in a corner to activate the traction control. And with the 2.5 Tdi engine is very rapid

I'm still not convinced about the 6-speed manual box though.

Having test-driven an E39 BMW diesel sport at the same time, the Audi was streets ahead in terms of handling. I'm sure the new shape 5-series has improved handling though, as the E39 is quite an old chassis compared to the A4.

And to be fair the 5-series compares more closely in class/size to the A6, which I haven't driven.

 

[timskemp]

interesting comment about the E320CDI taking a while to get going - sounds like it was set in comfort mode. Also the accellerator pedal has a very long travel - you sure you were giving it full beans?

Drove a V6 diesel A8 earlier in the year, impressive beast especially style wise but gearbox and ride not smooth.

A4s are ok but anything other than base spec wheels and springs and the ride is awful. Friend of mine has a 2.0TDI with 18" wheels and the sports suspension - front drive just ruins it, again shame because it's a great looking machine with a good engine.


I am of the opinion that the best medium saloon cars you can buy are the 5 series and the E class.

 

[DC_insider]

I want to test drive my C-class in the 3 litre V6 engine and also would love to know what the CLK 320 CDI is like (can't find a vehicle in my area to test).

I had a CLK320 CDi previously and I can tell you that it is a very fast car! However, the 3 litre V6 turbo diesel is only a few years old so most used ones will be either at MB Direct sites (a quick look on their website shows 4 but all down south) or with main dealers. I averaged 33mpg on mainly country roads. Mine was an Avantgarde which I found a bit dull to drive. I imagine the Sport is better but even rarer.

 

[Robbo]

i've driven a CLK320CDI and its a rocket ship! Try and ger a test drive if you can.

Mind you, I also want to test drive a BMW 335d as I think that'll be a stunner.

 

[garystu1965]

I've just test driven a 55 reg C320 CDI Avantgarde.

It was utterly marvellous !!!! (forget the Audis - shame on me for straying)

The engine was as sweet as a nut and the beast absolutely flew !!!!

It doesn't sound like a diesel at all and just like a petrol V6.

I nearly bought the thing but it's the same colour as mine and even same alloys so I am going to wait and try out a CLK or another C class with a different colour.

Surely these new diesel engines are going to make big petrol engines redundant. Why buy a big petrol car ?

There's so much acceleration, torque and power that I thought it was going to lift off the ground !

I drove a BMW 645Ci last week (my mate let me drive it). I tell you it felt even quicker than that !

My C270 CDI is no slouch but when revved harsh it sounds course - not this beast, it just emits a muscular V6 grunt - superb !

It's a fantastic engine and great motor - I'm so glad I drove it because it's made my mind up what engined car to go for next.

 

[crockers]

Told you .... lol....

If you're looking for a second hand one look in autotrader on line or

http://www.compucars.co.uk/

If it is low mileage - then consider a Brabus chip for around £1300 raises BHP by 40 bhp + more torque (mine is too high a mileage {over 18,000} so not recommended)

Cheers

 

[garystu1965]

Cheers - I like the website link you've just sent me.