Well finally pulled the trigger on it and ordered a 1.8TSI 4x4 Ambition this morning for my wife. Now for the 12 week wait. We had a test drive this morning, and were really impressed.

This was the first petrol car we would have had since our 2004 BMW 330Ci Sport, which we sold three years ago. Since then we have had two diesels; 2005 Mercedes E320CDI estate, and a 2008 Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCI (which is staying).

The engine was surprisingly diesel like in its high torque at low revs characteristic, but without that diesel sound, and freely revving to over 6000 rpm (note to self, be careful about buying ex-demonstrators if they get a full engine power check on every test drive!). I was slightly disappointed with the very hushed engine even when flooring it. I was sort of hoping for the great sound our BMW gave when floored (especially in a tunnel). Anyway better too quiet than the other way round, and I guess you can’t compare a 4 cylinder turbo with a 3 litre straight 6.

We loved the driving position, the 4x4, the engine, the general quality, and also the turning circle which is so much better than the S-Max’s. My wife also found the gearbox easy to cope with having only driven automatics for the last four years. The hill hold feature worked a treat, and the Off Road button seemed surprisingly effective, and we will certainly be using the hill decent control feature a lot next winter. I wasn't sure how useable this would be, but it turned out to be excellent. A great feature when living round here.

1.8TSI Ambition,

Aqua Blue (over here every car is silver and you need to stay close to that to protect the residuals, and SWMBO preferred it)

And few extras including self parking (I just love the idea, but probably not worth the money) and a spare wheel (after reading all those threads).

Roll on June.

Well finally pulled the trigger on it and ordered a 1.8TSI 4x4 Ambition this morning for my wife. Now for the 12 week wait. We had a test drive this morning, and were really impressed.

I'm shure you will be very happy with your choice.

This was the first petrol car we would have had since our 2004 BMW 330Ci Sport, which we sold three years ago. Since then we have had two diesels; 2005 Mercedes E320CDI estate, and a 2008 Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCI (which is staying).

The engine was surprisingly diesel like in its high torque at low revs characteristic, but without that diesel sound, and freely revving to over 6000 rpm

That was my thoughts also when test driving.

Im sure the wait will be worth it. Four weeks to go until mine arrives.

Congratulations Rand! Similar spec to ours - 1.8TSi 4x4.

Had contact from our dealer yesterday, week 10 bulid car is now "on the boat"....just 7-10 more days!!

And few extras including self parking (I just love the idea, but probably not worth the money)

It's not a toy, it's worth every penny. It puts me in parking bays I would never attempt. You will wonder how you did without it!

It's not a toy, it's worth every penny. It puts me in parking bays I would never attempt. You will wonder how you did without it!

Yes but how do you get out?!

The SMOC International gets even wider - soon we will conquer the world!

Nice one Rand.

Our other car is an S-Max too - make a nice combo.

1.2tsi for around town.

2.2d for long fast trips.