Test Drive

[Ian J. Parsley]

I take delivery of my new 3IS in a few days, but test drove the dealer's demo (a top-spec non-F-sport hybrid) today.

Good points:

- superb interior, gives great space and a real feel that you are in something much larger than a compact family car;

- hybrid *is hardly noticeable*, not the dramatic difference from everyday diesel the car mags would have us believe;

- the "synthetic engine noise" is *nothing like* as intrusive as the YouTube videos suggest, I actually found it quite pleasant;

- the soundproofing is unbelievable;

- the nav screen is plenty big enough, and the HD is remarkably clear; and

- the difference between Eco and Sport mode is marked and makes for great potential entertainment!

Bad points:

- the car is very heavy, limiting the sporty side somewhat;

- refinement is not quite what it could be (inferior to a Volvo S80 in comfort chassis mode); and

- some controls strike me as in strange positions (I don't like the parking brake position).

Overall, I highly recommend it to you all!