euangibson
Member Since: 24 Dec 2010
Location: Borders
Posts: 11027
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Drove my first D4 today..... |
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Orkney grey XS with some extras (reversing camera,20" wheels,privacy glass and a couple of others I can't remember)
First impressions,.....
Lovely build quality...not a rattle or squeak anywhere,ok it only had 857 miles on the clock,but it had a far more "premium" feel than my D3 with good quality,tactile surfaces and materials.
Nice graphics on all the displays,clear concise and informative.
Keyless start was nice too.
Driving impressions.....great engine,nice kickdown and generally more responsive across the range (only to be expected).... creamy smooth with it.
Less roll and lean in the corners was a welcome addition.I felt the car was more positive in a straight line,and was more planted in our "breezy" conditions today
Downsides ?
Not sure about the wheel mounted paddles on a car like a Land Rover,but at least they are small and subtle,so could be easily ignored if they are not your cup of tea...
Ride was firmer than I expected....maybe a consequence of the 20" wheels ?
I'm undecided about the rising rotary gear selector,but there is no doubt it makes for a much neater centre console,and makes the frontal seat area feel more spacious.
I would miss the little storage ledges and cubby holes,but apart from that,would I have one when the time comes....?
Damn right I would.....
ps thanks to Alistair at Croall Bryson LR in Kelso....sold me a BMW 3 years ago,but may have to wait a bit for my order of a D4 "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool,than to speak out and remove all doubt" ?.....what rubbish...
Locking rear E-diff
RLD spare wheel protector & sump guard
Extended roof rails
Series 111 mudflaps
Black side tubes,grill and vents
Timed climate remote
Hids4u interior lights
D4 Firenze my2012 HSE
D3 Java 2005 SE manual (sold,sadly,thanks for the memories)
1966 '88 Series 2a....still starts in the morning better than I do...
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8th Dec 2011 7:17 pm |
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Dougie
Member Since: 29 Jan 2007
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 28
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And you are still speaking to him after selling you a BMW with a winter like last year
Joking apart they are a good bunch and you would not regret a D3 to D4 upgrade
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8th Dec 2011 10:03 pm |
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barong77
Member Since: 06 Jul 2011
Location: North Northumberland
Posts: 12
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Then it must have been you i saw at lloyds kelso [see spotted dated yesterday] i agree about the D4 ride, i also think there getting rather to bling for my tasts, mind i only have a lowly D3 S to compare against.
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9th Dec 2011 9:04 am |
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mcsimmo
Member Since: 08 Aug 2011
Location: North of the south
Posts: 1795
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My D3 was in at the stealers for (yet more) warranty work and was given the loan of a brand spanking new D4 HSE. I was excited at first, but have to say I found it a bit characterless. Perhaps its just me. I found the ride harder than mine, and although I was impressed with all its bells and whistles, it seemed to have lost something in the development. Man with no D3 anymore, but cant leave the forum....how sad.
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9th Dec 2011 10:17 am |
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