Is The F Sport Too Firm?

[jd14]

Sorry for another thread but tonight I have been contemplating the F sport over the Premier model.

I got to drive a F sport VERY briefly at a pathetic test drive from a dealer in London, but I did not get a true impression of the suspension set up.

What I would like to know is if anybody who has driven the F sport and a non- F sport how does the ride compare? Is the ride really firm?

My current car is extremely firm and I looking for comfort as I look to purchase a ct200h.

I appreciate all replies.

[KDS]

Just to throw another factor in - the ride in all 2014 models vary from earlier because of various facelift model changes - also you have to consider 16 v 17 wheels in ride effects. For my part the 2014 premier on 16's is perfectly comfortable.

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[AlwaysEddie]

Like KDS mentions above if it's a 2014 facelift model, then you may find it quite a comfortable ride. They've changed the MacPherson strut and double wishbone rear configurations to allow for a lighter ride. Personally I have been driving a 2013 CT Luxury version for the past year, bought new, and find it adequate. Potholed UK B roads can be a problem though, but I avoid when possible. 16s will be a good choice for comfort as pointed out by KDS, and for fuel economy as well, if in comparison to 17s.

[200h]

why are 16" wheels better for fuel economy over the 17" wheels

i have 17" wheels and its a firm but comfortable ride

[KDS]

It's additional weight of rims in the large tyres - on the ct the base model has 15" and that's even more efficient . Refer

Www.caranddriver.com/features/effects-of-upsized-wheels-and-tires-tested

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[AlwaysEddie]

I was just about to post the same link. KDS is right again. And the 15" should prove even more comfortable too.

[KDS]

Great minds

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[ColinBarber]

It's additional weight of rims in the large tyres - on the ct the base model has 15" and that's even more efficient . Refer

Www.caranddriver.com/features/effects-of-upsized-wheels-and-tires-tested

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The 17" tyres are also wider which increases the rolling resistance.

[oap8]

16" are definitely better for ride comfort and m p g on early models.The 2014 models are much better.

The CVT transmission is the drawback.

Edited November 12, 2014 by ColinBarber

[Scoops]

You don't say what car you currently I don't think... Depends what you are moving from I suppose and what your realistic expectations are. I found the 2014 model offers a better ride than my CT from the previous year. I didn't drive the F-Sport but I think if you are taking the improved ride of the new model as a baseline you have to expect the ride to be firmer. After all, that is partly the point of the F-Sport in the first place. In the absence of any performance upgrades, they are offering better handling which, unfortunately, often comes at the expense of comfort. This is true in a £10000 hot hatch to a £100,000 sports car. Take a drive in a lot of German cars without the pretence of sporting abilities and you will find them surprisingly firm.

Find a dealer who is willing to let you take the car out on your own and try it for size. It comes down to what kind of driving you are going to do and how important comfort is... I think the talk of different wheel sizes, while absolutely valid and good advice, goes against what the F-Sport is about unless you absolutely must have the bodykit. Plump for the Premier instead if that is the case - you at least get better equipment with that!

[oap8]

I drove a 2012 ct SE-L Premier, I found it noisy from road roar and engine, harsh ride,and generally a poor drive.I had a test drive of a F Sport when the revised model came out as that was the only model they had.It was smoother and had better driveability.

Iam back to driving an IS. They are quieter and smoother.

[PWOOD]

avoid the FSport if you want comfort. I drove 2013 luxury, 2014 fsport and the difference in ride between the two is minimal albeit the FSport did handle better and CVT response was better. I ordered a 2014 Advance on standard 17" and it's the best combo if you ask me as it handles really well and is significantly more comfortable. Whatever you decided the CT200 is a great car to live with day in day out.

I didn't like the look of the car with smaller wheels and the standard 17" Advance ones are really easy to clean as well.

[andyk134]

I think we are all different which is a good thing. I don't think any Lexus looks right with anything less than 17's and too many look stuck up in the air too which spoils the look. Just my humble opinion and I love the look of my 200 with coilovers and spacers on 17's and strangely the ride is better than the standard one if you go for softer coilovers and set it up right.

Bottom line though I would't buy anything other than Lexus even though mine is 10 years old, they never let you down and mine still turns heads everyday. Enjoy whatever you buy.

[jd14]

Thank you for the replies everybody.

I have purchased a premier model and after testing the F sport - I found the premier to be much more comfortable.

Thank you again.

[KDS]

Good call - I'm sure you'll enjoy it very much

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