Just over three weeks down the line I am starting to appreciate the beast. Roadholding is about the best I have experienced, and that is in a driving career that spans well over forty years. Okay, it might not be exactly overpowered, but I was aware of that, and the gearbox is very crisp and positive. And, once you get used to (and are able to ignore to some extent), the parking sensors, maneuvering is also relatively easy.
There are still some bugbears, most of which might not come up on test drives. I don't get keyless entry, it seems an unnecessary complication with potential defects that vastly outweigh any benefit. On that front, such a mass of tech is offered, much of which can be poorly explained in the owner's manual; frankly I have rather given up and only use the basic functions. Not a problem, but a better interface would be good and it is a shame to pay for stuff you don't use or understand. At the time of purchase, the dealer said to come back after a week and they would run through everything in detail - I made an appointment which they promptly canceled, telling me to put my questions in writing instead and they would respond without any need for me to attend. Appreciated the offer, but some things are best demonstrated and it is far easier to ask a question of a person sitting next to you.
Besides some of the gadgets are definitely of doubtful use - I get the city breaking but on two occasions in the 500 or so miles I have so far covered another has appeared twice which is definitely not an asset. The first time was when a car in a side road edged slightly too far into my path, and another when someone left it too late overtaking an oncoming vehicle. On both occasions I was distracted by a loud warning buzzer and a flashing light on the dashboard - things I could have done without while in the midst of coping with an emergency. Okay, I get that it was trying to warn of the danger but, had I been asleep, the first place I would have looked was at the dashboard. I guess it is something you get used to after a while. Maybe this can this be turned off, but city breaking retained?
The final problem I really should have noticed on the test drive. There is a blind spot on the front A-pillars which is dangerous. I'm not excessively tall (6.1), but still have to have the seat back to some extent (still can't get squab support for this, by the way), and this probably makes it worse with an impression that is rather like looking through an admittedly large letterbox. Consequently, when at junctions, it is easy to lose traffic approaching from the left, and equally so to miss oncoming cars on the right when driving through bends. Doubt that there is anything that can be done, but it is a new one on me, and disappointing in a car that has been so well designed in other areas.
I'm sticking with it, primarily because my wife is totally enamored and we no longer need two cars. The bad points are mainly made up for by good and there are many clever features. However, I don't think I will ever feel entirely happy behind the wheel and rather think this will not be a long-term keeper. Which is a shame, as we paid out for advanced servicing and extended guarantee - but as the French say
Che Guevara!
