First test Drive of A110 mixed feelings.
Discussion
I have had an interest in the A110 since its launch and had my first test drive in a Pure yesterday. I was disappointed with the engine and gearbox. The car was quick enough but I wish it had a manual option. I could tolerate the engine if it had a manual. The car is lovely, great chassis but engine and gearbox are just vanilla.
Well, if it's not lived up to your expectations, don't buy it. They ain't going to change the engine and fit a manual for you.
I've had the same with cars - built them up so much in my head and when tried or bought, realised they aren't actually very special. My last BMW was the same. On every metric and measure a brilliant thing. I got shot after 14 months because I just didn't gel with it and started to despise it. Changed it for something materially worse on every level, and love every minute of driving it.
I've had the same with cars - built them up so much in my head and when tried or bought, realised they aren't actually very special. My last BMW was the same. On every metric and measure a brilliant thing. I got shot after 14 months because I just didn't gel with it and started to despise it. Changed it for something materially worse on every level, and love every minute of driving it.
Jumpingjackflash said:
I have had an interest in the A110 since its launch and had my first test drive in a Pure yesterday. I was disappointed with the engine and gearbox. The car was quick enough but I wish it had a manual option. I could tolerate the engine if it had a manual. The car is lovely, great chassis but engine and gearbox are just vanilla.
Disappointing after waiting four years to get a test drive…!domrusty said:
Disappointing after waiting four years to get a test drive…!
Excuse me but your point is lost on me? Circumstances mean I can buy one now but not four years ago. Renault went to all this trouble to build a special sports car and gave it and underwhelming engine and gearbox.
On the test drive I was in sport mode and second gear. I was going to floor the throttle after a few corners but there was a car infront of me slowing me down. I stayed in second gear and waited for the road to straighten so i could overtake but the A110 changed gear to 3rd to 4th in the space of 200-300 yards. It done it again behind a cyclist. I spent the rest of the test just steering the Alpine listening to the exhaust fart. When I got back to the dealer one of the salesman said there was a track mode that held the gears. I don’t think I will go back to try the track mode.
The new lotus disappoints me because it is 1400 kg and plastic body. I used to own an Elise s2 but it fell apart around me. If I was buying a new car I would go for a Caymen GTS. I configured two Alpines at £60k and £67K. The monthly payments with 10% deposit were £700-790 per month. The Caymen GTS is more expensive but I am sure the monthly rental would be similar.
Imagine an A110 with MX-5 gearbox.
Edited by Jumpingjackflash on Friday 25th March 16:32
I simply meant that if I’d had a keen interest in a car for several years and then found I didn’t like it once I actually drove it, it would be particularly disappointing.
As regards the scenarios you described, you could have changed down with the paddle shift, much quicker than you could with a manual gearbox. You soon get used to an auto box and learn to anticipate how it will behave - I’m not sure I’d ever go back to a manual now. A bad auto is a nightmare, but modern DSGs are generally excellent.
I find the drivetrain to be very well judged. In standard mode it’s a very relaxing drive but still quick enough if you drop a gear / squirt the throttle. And Sport mode is noticeably more lively and responsive. Maybe have another go - give yourself more time to get used to it?
As regards the scenarios you described, you could have changed down with the paddle shift, much quicker than you could with a manual gearbox. You soon get used to an auto box and learn to anticipate how it will behave - I’m not sure I’d ever go back to a manual now. A bad auto is a nightmare, but modern DSGs are generally excellent.
I find the drivetrain to be very well judged. In standard mode it’s a very relaxing drive but still quick enough if you drop a gear / squirt the throttle. And Sport mode is noticeably more lively and responsive. Maybe have another go - give yourself more time to get used to it?
Edited by domrusty on Friday 25th March 17:12
Perhaps the OP expected the gearbox to always (or even mostly) make the same choice of ratios as he would. No auto does and the only two choices are to drive it manual - where you will get quicker smoother changes than you make with a manual gearbox - or use the paddles to override it when it gets it wrong. No auto boxes as far as I am aware, except for Rolls Royce, read the road ahead - and none read your mind.
Jumpingjackflash said:
The new lotus disappoints me because it is 1400 kg and plastic body.
I wish the Alpine had composite body panels, like my Lotuses. I love the Lotus body panels. They can take a really good knock without deforming - eg someone opens their door onto you, or a low speed parking error. I've had an alumunium bodied car before (360). I looked at a dozen or more cars before finding a good one. They nearly all had loads of tiny dents along the sides.I was pleased when I heard the Emira was 1400+ KG - I thought I was going to have a terrible dilemma to deal with. As it was, it made it easy to discount the Emira, especially with those ridiculous 20" wheels.
That is a shame OP, especially after harbouring interest for so long. At the risk of resorting to 'whataboutery', it might be useful to clarify with the dealer if that Pure had the sports exhaust/sound pipe fitted. Probably did, but it does add drama to the powertrain.
Additionally, switching to manual gears via the paddles lasts for a certain time (before switching back to auto), whereas selecting manual via the 'D' button lasts indefinitely. Only mention this because you were specifically displeased by that behaviour - there are ways round it. YMMV, but I have found the gearbox (my first non-manual) a big positive, and really quite enjoyable.
My final gambit is just to offer the opinion that the A110 powertrain, at least with sports exhaust/sound pipe, is all-but-objectively better than that of a stock E30 M3, in terms of tractability, throttle response, sound and fury. That's either a 'no way' or a 'well, duh' moment for you, just mentioned as a comparison to another celebrated (but admittedly much older) driving experience.
I do on occasion wish that the A110 engine was a 9k atmo screamer, but it isn't, and (for my money) living with it is never a chore. If you think it might be, then no problem - there is no wrong answer!
Additionally, switching to manual gears via the paddles lasts for a certain time (before switching back to auto), whereas selecting manual via the 'D' button lasts indefinitely. Only mention this because you were specifically displeased by that behaviour - there are ways round it. YMMV, but I have found the gearbox (my first non-manual) a big positive, and really quite enjoyable.
My final gambit is just to offer the opinion that the A110 powertrain, at least with sports exhaust/sound pipe, is all-but-objectively better than that of a stock E30 M3, in terms of tractability, throttle response, sound and fury. That's either a 'no way' or a 'well, duh' moment for you, just mentioned as a comparison to another celebrated (but admittedly much older) driving experience.
I do on occasion wish that the A110 engine was a 9k atmo screamer, but it isn't, and (for my money) living with it is never a chore. If you think it might be, then no problem - there is no wrong answer!
Edited by Hoofty on Friday 25th March 19:09
CrgT16 said:
For me even if the auto is great it’s not always about being quicker than a manual.
It’s the driver enjoyment that a good manual gear box gives. For that’s us still joyous. It’s not all about ultimate speed or drag races, at least for me.
I think that most of A110 owners would agree - certainly I do. But, for me, there is considerable pleasure in observing a nice piece of engineering at work - whether that be an engine sounding great doing its thing - or a DCT box making far better changes than not only me, but ANY driver could make. Are there times, on the right road, when I would find an Elise more enjoyable - yes there are - but then there are many more (for me) where the A110 is. And there are literally NO occasions when driving the A110 is a chore - but plenty where more focused cars are.It’s the driver enjoyment that a good manual gear box gives. For that’s us still joyous. It’s not all about ultimate speed or drag races, at least for me.
Tap the 'D' button again after putting it into drive and it'll switch to 'M' mode, where gear changes are manual with the paddles. Normal and Sport modes will change up for you if you're about to hit redline, but will otherwise leave things alone unless you're about to stall. Track mode will just sit at the limiter until you shift.
I personally drive the car in 'M' 100% of the time.
But, I mean, if it's still not for you then that's OK — I'm sure you'll find something else that suits you.
I personally drive the car in 'M' 100% of the time.
But, I mean, if it's still not for you then that's OK — I'm sure you'll find something else that suits you.
I think the gearing, if not the gearbox, is one of the best things about the car. Because of the relatively short gearing and the well set rev drops between gears, I find the paddle shifting on the a110 more engaging than on most cars.
I do also find the auto mode very useful round town as you can relax as it glides over crappy roads that other cars would crash over. I would always have chosen manual, but now on my second Alpine and for how I use it, would now stick to paddles if the option ever arose.
Having said that, as others have pointed out, you absolutely have to go into ‘manual’ mode if you want to really enjoy the car. Like all cars, the auto will shift up way too early, not least because it helps with emissions testing results. Just out of interest, are you coming straight from a manual, because even the hardest core Ferraris and Porsches are cruising round in 7/8th gear at 30mph if left in auto,
Box in ‘manual’, using the gears, and it’s a different experience all together.
Personally never tried a car without the sports exhaust, but on two I’ve had, very happy with it. It definitely needs to be run-in though, and sound changed permanently for the good once it had been.
I do also find the auto mode very useful round town as you can relax as it glides over crappy roads that other cars would crash over. I would always have chosen manual, but now on my second Alpine and for how I use it, would now stick to paddles if the option ever arose.
Having said that, as others have pointed out, you absolutely have to go into ‘manual’ mode if you want to really enjoy the car. Like all cars, the auto will shift up way too early, not least because it helps with emissions testing results. Just out of interest, are you coming straight from a manual, because even the hardest core Ferraris and Porsches are cruising round in 7/8th gear at 30mph if left in auto,
Box in ‘manual’, using the gears, and it’s a different experience all together.
Personally never tried a car without the sports exhaust, but on two I’ve had, very happy with it. It definitely needs to be run-in though, and sound changed permanently for the good once it had been.
Edited by footsoldier on Saturday 26th March 08:43
Jumpingjackflash said:
I might give it a second chance. I will go back to dealer and ask them to clarify the different gearbox modes.
I don’t know where / how good the test drive roads were for you ? My advice would be find a long twisty undulating B road and drive the car in full manual in each mode. I’d wholly concur with the Elise comments above and I’m a huge manual fan but on first acquaintance I was surprised at how much fun the car was to drive. The engine is what it is, pretty good for a blown 4 pot in my view but not the star of the show like say a flat six in a Cayman. Thing is (for me anyway) tearing down a good B road the delivery, ratio’s & slickness of the box work together so well they considerably exceeded my expectations.footsoldier said:
I think the gearing, if not the gearbox, is one of the best things about the car. Because of the relatively short gearing and the well set rev drops between gears, I find the paddle shifting on the a110 more engaging than on most cars.
I do also find the auto mode very useful round town as you can relax as it glides over crappy roads that other cars would crash over. I would always have chosen manual, but now on my second Alpine and for how I use it, would now stick to paddles if the option ever arose.
Having said that, as others have pointed out, you absolutely have to go into ‘manual’ mode if you want to really enjoy the car. Like all cars, the auto will shift up way too early, not least because it helps with emissions testing results. Just out of interest, are you coming straight from a manual, because even the hardest core Ferraris and Porsches are cruising round in 7/8th gear at 30mph if left in auto,
Box in ‘manual’, using the gears, and it’s a different experience all together.
Personally never tried a car without the sports exhaust, but on two I’ve had, very happy with it. It definitely needs to be run-in though, and sound changed permanently for the good once it had been.
+1 - couldn’t have put it better myself- tempting to blame the salesman but if you’re not familiar with DCT boxes you should have asked.I do also find the auto mode very useful round town as you can relax as it glides over crappy roads that other cars would crash over. I would always have chosen manual, but now on my second Alpine and for how I use it, would now stick to paddles if the option ever arose.
Having said that, as others have pointed out, you absolutely have to go into ‘manual’ mode if you want to really enjoy the car. Like all cars, the auto will shift up way too early, not least because it helps with emissions testing results. Just out of interest, are you coming straight from a manual, because even the hardest core Ferraris and Porsches are cruising round in 7/8th gear at 30mph if left in auto,
Box in ‘manual’, using the gears, and it’s a different experience all together.
Personally never tried a car without the sports exhaust, but on two I’ve had, very happy with it. It definitely needs to be run-in though, and sound changed permanently for the good once it had been.
Edited by footsoldier on Saturday 26th March 08:43
It’s perfectly possible you still won’t like the car but at least
you’ll have experienced it properly.
Jumpingjackflash said:
I might give it a second chance. I will go back to dealer and ask them to clarify the different gearbox modes.
If you don't like the flatulence in Sport you don't have to order the sports exhaust. If you try it in Normal (sports exhaust is off) you might find the exhaust note more to your taste.Jumpingjackflash said:
I might give it a second chance. I will go back to dealer and ask them to clarify the different gearbox modes.
Put it in track and it will switch to manual anywayIn normal or Sport, press the D button again and ring round it will turn blue and stay in manual til you tell it otherwise
footsoldier said:
Put it in track and it will switch to manual anyway
In normal or Sport, press the D button again and ring round it will turn blue and stay in manual til you tell it otherwise
As my wife found out when she drove the car home in 1st gear…all the way home 🙈 she panics and had pressed D too many times. She said to me, the exhaust was really loud and the throttle was really responsive - yep you don’t say. Thankfully it was only a short journey!! In normal or Sport, press the D button again and ring round it will turn blue and stay in manual til you tell it otherwise
She hasn’t driven the car since…
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