[ewanmac]

In the last week I've had the misfortune of putting my car in (needs new amp and wheels are corroded). I had a new Audi A4 last week and today I received the monstrosity 2 series grand active tourer thing - probably the worst looking BMW there has ever been. It's been very interesting just how different they are to drive.

The A4 was disappointing. Inside, it's very nice and certainly better built than the 3 series, however, I don't like the screen which looks like a stuck on iPad a la c class.

The version I had was a 1.4 150bhp model and it has very little power low down. You had the horrible feeling at roundabouts waiting for the turbo to spoil which was very disconcerting. It was fine once it got going and was very refined.

Next ride/handling. The ride was impressive actually. On 17" wheels it was very good - certainly not the bone shaking ride from audis in the past. However, it felt really ungainly as a result. The steering appeared slow, it rolled more than most SUVs and it just didn't inspire much confidence. Even my wife commented how horrible it was to drive (and she had an A3).

The 2 series active thing on the other hand had a great engine. It's the 1.5 litre triple and it's nippy, nice at the low end and submits a great sound. Exactly the opposite to the a4.

Ride and handling was also totally different. It was pretty firm but had a great fast turn in and actually was quite fun to drive (although had more body roll).

So bizarrely an executive saloon which competes with the 3 series felt like an MPV to drive while the ugly MPV thing was actually very fun to drive.

One things for sure, I can't wait to get my 3 series back!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Funny what a loan car does for you.

I've done the sum total of 4 miles in my rental 320 since collecting last week. Can't be bothered with it.

[stefan4]

Could be worse, Enterprise dropped off a lovely fiat 500L for me to use today. Worst car ever!!!!

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by ewanmac

...2 series grand active tourer thing - probably the worst looking BMW there has ever been

I think you are forgetting the X6, which must surely vie for the title of worst looking BMW ever. In fact, its one of the ugliest cars produced by any manufacturer, let alone BMW. What were they thinking of?!

[ewanmac]

I also have a large dislike for the x6 but this thing beats it on the ugly looks, believe me. It's almost ssangyong rhodius bad...

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

Funny what a loan car does for you.

I've done the sum total of 4 miles in my rental 320 since collecting last week. Can't be bothered with it.

I know the feeling. Years ago I asked for a Saab 9-3 Aero for a weekend test drive when thinking about my next company car - literally drove it for 200 yards on the Friday afternoon then turned around and parked it in the office car park and told the dealer to come and collect it. God awful thing.

[Daftasabrush]

I've had a 218 AT auto and I despised it as a driving tool. As a family wagon instead of a focus or something, it was adequate, but a horrible car to drive.

[Mark1966]

Originally Posted by ewanmac

I also have a large dislike for the x6 but this thing beats it on the ugly looks, believe me. It's almost ssangyong rhodius bad...

Yep that is nasty with a capital 'F', god knows what type of people buy them

[ewanmac]

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

I've had a 218 AT auto and I despised it as a driving tool. As a family wagon instead of a focus or something, it was adequate, but a horrible car to drive.

Incredibly it's better than the new A4 though!