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Post by Humph on Nov 25, 2019 9:38:08 GMT
So, how was the first weekend with the Civic Al? Will it be going to fetch the Christmas tree in due course?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2019 10:04:00 GMT
Oh yes it will.
It gave me a moment of eye-rolling and a sigh on the way home, as the TPMS light illuminated. It had been on during the test drive, and explained away as needing recalibration after the new tyres and alloy wheel refurb. They had duly reset it, but up it came again. So I emailed them to say it's a possible fault, but that I'd also RTFM'd, and would check pressures myself and do a re-calibration run. Apparently "they all do that Sir, and the system is unnecessarily finickety and over-sensitive". So I got out my trusty Michelin 12v tyre inflator, and lo, guess what. It was dead. That's one for the Christmas list then. There then followed a quick check at the petrol station (where I also filled with unleaded - £51 from nearly empty, which is a pleasant surprise after the £98 last fill in the Merc - yes I know I won't get as much range from it but still). Then in to the vehicle's software menu and start the calibration process. the manual states that it needs to re-calibrate over a 30minutes of cumulative driving at speeds between 25-52mph, so I set off and did an hours tootling along some A roads, and happily the light did not come back on. Hopefully that's that sorted.
Still, it gave me a chance to spend some time in it and get used to it. As suspected, it really shines at the top end of the rev range, in contrast to the lazy torque I'm used to. Which is fine. Overall very pleased with the comfort and performance. Tested out the space with all the family on board, no complaints there either. Perfectly roomy enough for everyone.
Back in the Leaf today and refuelling at work for free.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2019 12:16:49 GMT
Oh, one slight disappointment. The tailgate is obviously made out of plastic. My EU flag/GB magnet doesn't stick. Now I have to buy a sticker type one. No GB/EU tag on the number plates :-(
Although of course it won't hurt as much if the struts fail on me, Laguna-style...
Going back to WDB's point in the other thread about Mercs/SAABs/Volvos being designed around the driver, I'm finding that this Honda is firmly in that category. Driving position and adjustability of seats/steering wheel etc is excellent, no silliness on the indicator or wiper stalks, great wraparound dash layout and a high-up digital speedo. Rev counter is the large centre dial, fuel and temp gauges are either side. Very much gives the impression of a car engineered properly, rather than built down to a price.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2019 15:21:22 GMT
I'm getting jealous...
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Nov 25, 2019 15:53:29 GMT
I’m not. But I hope it works well for you. Honestly, I really do.
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Post by Humph on Nov 25, 2019 16:26:06 GMT
It sounds like it's pretty much perfect for Al and his immediate needs.
I, um, parked next to a new Skoda Superb estate today. It was actually very blooming nice. I think was a fairly well specced one and it looked very good on some nice wheels. Checking various reviews just now I think it must have been a "Sportline Plus".
Could I, should I ?
It'd certainly have appreciable tax advantages in the region of a £120 a month saving.
DS bloody G though 😰
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Post by Humph on Nov 25, 2019 16:30:12 GMT
Oh, one slight disappointment. The tailgate is obviously made out of plastic. My EU flag/GB magnet doesn't stick. Now I have to buy a sticker type one. No GB/EU tag on the number plates :-( Although of course it won't hurt as much if the struts fail on me, Laguna-style... Going back to WDB's point in the other thread about Mercs/SAABs/Volvos being designed around the driver, I'm finding that this Honda is firmly in that category. Driving position and adjustability of seats/steering wheel etc is excellent, no silliness on the indicator or wiper stalks, great wraparound dash layout and a high-up digital speedo. Rev counter is the large centre dial, fuel and temp gauges are either side. Very much gives the impression of a car engineered properly, rather than built down to a price. If you buy a sticky GB sticker, briefly dip it in lukewarm water before applying. You'll be able to move it around for a while until you get it perfectly placed and it won't have any bubbles. Once left to dry, it'll still be stuck properly. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2019 16:32:51 GMT
The voice of experience...
Wisely heeded..
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WDB
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Post by WDB on Nov 25, 2019 16:34:50 GMT
Or, if you ask the dealer nicely, they’ll make up a set of proper GB-and-stars number plates for you. Free. Worked for me.
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Post by Humph on Nov 25, 2019 16:49:05 GMT
May still need the sticker as well if a full fat Brexit happens.
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Nov 25, 2019 22:28:01 GMT
Humph, the Superb iV will be available to order soon. Total carrying space down obviously but maybe not by too much for your needs. The BIK saving would be quite large compared to your E220 estate. Starting next April (you can't order a Superb iV yet) the hatchback would be taxed at 12% and I'm guessing the estate 13%.
There was a period of a few weeks when the Superb L&K and Sportline Plus were online for the iV but a newer build website has not got them yet.
Mine is just an SE L Executive with options but I can honestly say it's a very good car. There is no longer an SE L Exec - just an SE L - and the replacement gains some standard kit and loses other items.
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Post by Humph on Nov 25, 2019 22:34:24 GMT
Thanks Rob, but as a rule of thumb, I need all the space. A cut down load bay would be very inconvenient for me.
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Nov 25, 2019 22:36:21 GMT
You'd only be losing a bit of the boot depth - not that I've seen one yet. The fuel tank is moved and you also lose the spare wheel well. Could mean the space is down too much but then a Superb has more space than your E220 to begin with.
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Avant
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Post by Avant on Nov 25, 2019 22:41:00 GMT
Humph, the 'DS bloody G' on 2-litre Superbs is the more reliable wet-clutch version. The 1.5s have the dry-clutch DSG which has given grief.
Probably worth your while trying a Superb estate. It'll surely be roomy enough even if you have clients the likes of Imelda Marcos: but only you can make the subjective judgement as to whether the comfort and general ambience of a Mercedes is still worth the extra BIK.
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Post by Humph on Nov 25, 2019 22:46:16 GMT
My friend and neighbour has had loads of them. He's a senior manager at Bentley and they change their company cars every 3-4 months. He just keeps ( deliberately ) getting Superb estates. Swears by them. He keeps telling me I should try one. The one I saw today was very nice in truth.
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