(LAC) Forgive me father, for I am about to sin

[Andrew Duane]

Wow, more information that I'd hoped for, but useful stuff to consider.

 

I haven't taken the car out for a "real" test drive yet. The one they
had was just off the truck, with all the plastic protectors still in
place and no gas in the tank. So it was a 5-minute spin up the road just
to see if I liked it. I hope to do a more thorough bit of research this
week. You've given me a couple of things to look for when I do.

 

My experience with Audis has always been the more mass market models.
100/200, 90Q20V, A4, A6, A8, S4, and All Road. And a brief stint in my
old boss' S8 Avant. I'd rate the V70-R better than any of those in terms
of handling (and comfort!), but I've never been in a real Ur-Q or RS4 or
track-prepped CQ. This car would strictly be a daily hauler and
ski-mobile, no track time, no pushing it to the limit since I have
enough tickets already. Since I'm in the market for a wagon, I'd be
comparing it to an A6QAvant or an All Road. There's no comparison. But,
I've always been pretty happy with the later generation Quattro/torsen
setups. I can't say if they are "perfect", but they were very
predictable and easy to get used to. I'll have to see how Haldex
handles.

 

As far as snow/ice/etc. up here, we get some snow, but it's usually
packed down and/or melted into slush by the time I'm actually out in it.
My A6's have always had aggressive all-season's on them which do me fine
almost all the time. I wouldn't take them in serious snow, just like I
wouldn't push them to 1G cornering. I like the convenience over that
last bit of performance/snow-handling. I doubt that will be an option
with this size; 235/45 doesn't list much for all-season (the BFG g-force
is about it). And a couple of other folks who drive big wheels/tires
have warned me already.

 

Speaking of which, I also dabbled with the BMW X3; there is a lease
turn-in at the local dealer outfitted almost exactly the way I want and
at a good price. The only problem is they put this god-awful 19" wheel
package on it with some tires like 255/35 on them. Even the X3 brochure
clearly says: "Note: the 19" wheel package is *NOT* for use on ice or
snow, and susceptible to damage on any rough roads". Hello? New
Hampshire?

 

I agree with the "Advanced" suspension mode, BTW. The dealer called it
"See the pebble, feel the pebble" mode. I'll know more about Sport and
Comfort after my extensive test drive later on some real roads I know.
It was interested to know about turning down the stability control.
Something else to play with :-)

 

 

/Andrew