R36 Road Test/ Reviews

**Wyatt** · 08-06-2008, 11:48 AM

Looks like a car thief who forgot to turn his camera phone off!

**Steve** · 08-06-2008, 11:52 AM

I reckon... too many crotch shots!

**theplanner** · 10-06-2008, 09:10 PM

I test drove an demostrator R36 wagon this evening and sum up my experience as follows (it was just a short 15mins drive where max speed reached about 120km/hr):

Ride:
The suspension is firm but in my opinion not to the point of being intrusive. Almost similar to the bimmers 335 as a comparison. The seats are very comfortable and hugs the driver very well in position.

Handling:
Admittedly, I didn't get the opportunity to take it around the corners as quickly as I would like as it was a 4.45pm test drive during peak hour traffic. Although I did give it a little at the back streets. Handles very well from what I can gather. I would dare say comparable to the E46 M3. Feel is good from the steering wheel although not quite as good as the bimmers. And it is quite nimble.

Sound System:
The car I drive had the standard speakers and I thought they were quite good already. Much better than the ones in my Subaru Tribeca.

Engine:
I havent driven the R32 so can make the comparisons but exhaust sounds great although not quite as loud as the R32's. The engine has a sporty rawness to it if you know what I mean. Akin to the upmarket european sports cars. I was expecting it to be more torqey down low but it really must hit about 3k revs onwards before you "feel" the torque. I must say this is not a total fair statement but I was "expecting" a bit more.

You know you are seating in a powerful car as soon as the ignition starts. The soft rumble is quite satisfying, then you hit the accelerator and its bliss.

DSG:
Gear change is smooth didnt really noticed the change at all but even in manual mode it upshifts when redline. This is a little disappointing.

Overall:
I was very impressed with the car, has a bit of sporting rawness to it yet still retains the "luxury" feel. It is more of a gentlemen's sports car than the liberty's. I am definitely taking my order now, just hoping I will beat the LCT increase.

I hope this is informative for you.

**Cro** · 10-06-2008, 09:30 PM

Did it run out of puff in the higher revs?

**theplanner** · 10-06-2008, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by Cro

Did it run out of puff in the higher revs?

Had about 2 goes at reving it to redline and didn't feel it was out of puff....
unfortunately the redlining was only in 1st gear if I had the chance to redline at higher gears might feel it more