After 500km, my R36 impressions

[Deedub68]

OK here goes. My after 500km impressions.

This car is the business. After boating around in a Territory, it's a real revelation.

Power.
There's plenty! I have been going easy for the most part, but have not been able to resist a heavy right foot. The result is explosive, but easily controlled.

Ride.
No bones about it: it's firm. If you are looking for a long distance cruiser, this may not be the car for you, because you WILL feel every bump and undulation. If you want to blast through some twisties on fair roads, you will love this car. If it's a less firm ride but with some sporty attitude, go with a v6 4-motion with 17" wheels (which is lowered by 12mm) instead.

Interior.
Only quibble here is the seats. They could be a tad wider in the bum area. It seems to be a fairly common observation here. That being said, I'm a big guy: 6ft4in and 110kg. I think if I got to sub 100kg I would be a very comfy fit. Side bolsters are excellent and really work. For someone 90kg and less, I don't think there would be a problem. Leg room and head room for me is ample.
All else in the interior is excellent. While it seems spartan, everything you need is there. I like the "less is more" apprach to design, and in the R36 case it appears to suit the character of the car.
ps get the sunroof option! The engine note drifting in through the hole in the roof is worth it...

Stereo
RNS510 is probably where car entertainment will be in the next 10 years. Once I figured out how to transfer mp3's to a dvd in the correct format (thanks, Steve), copying music to the HDD is the way to go. The SD card is a great way to listen to podcasts too...

To be honest, I can't think of a single way in which I am disappointed with this car. At times I find the ride a bit harsh, but then...I drive to the hills or press on elsewhere and at that point, it all makes sense and all is forgiven.

It delivers as advertised, and who can ask for more than that? Keep your FPV and HSV monsters, I'm a VW convert. More to the point, as a bang-for-buck proposition, this has to be quite the Q-ship bargain.

deedub

[Steve]

They are a pretty awesome car. I'm certainly not missing my Commodore!

I don't think the ride is all that firm compared to the GTI. I find it very comfortable and I'd be happy to take it on a long drive somewhere. My parents took it to Melbourne and back recently and thought it was great, and Dad normally hates a firm ride.

The only thing I don't like is the appetite for fuel, but it drinks less than the Commodore did so I can't complain too much and the noise makes up for it.

[Treza360]

Excellent write up mate. Glad to hear you're enjoying your car.