Pics of your Fast Estate...
Discussion
A bit of a project, trying to reconcile sports car with a family estate, always a compromise of sorts but I did quite well, and having both along at any time is rather invaluable. Worth sharing for those that like the idea, this thread seemed the right place.
Bought new because couldn't find a manual 2nd hand (not UK), which was one big reason for this choice. The other two are low weight (for the space, near 600l boot) and a good basis for modification as there is a huge community and number of parts available.
So it's 1410kg kerb and handles quite well from the off.
But it was a bit aloof past 8/10ths so some work was done to get some feel back in all the controls. A few uniballs instead of big rubber bushings with voids at key locations without making the car rock hard. Light wheels. Rear arb. Lower arms, custom alignment. VAQ diff tweaks. Pads. Shortshift/stroke clutch. Basically adressing all shortcomings as I found them.
Engine upgraded primarily to improve response and top end, now FBO stage2 E85. It having a similar power to weight as an RS6 Performance is purely a side product. Or a GT4, at the same kerb weight (!). Not imagining it being equal, but don't underestimate a good Hot hatch/estate. The way it moves across very twisty backroads is amazing and completely fullfills my driving needs. Even does a pretty good impersonation of a rally car on gravel roads with its new found balance. Ideally I would want 4wd in winter but that would spoil a lot of its playfull character and the challenge of putting down that power... Can't have it all. It does transport kids and strollers in relative comfort, although the wife does complain a bit it's not the quietest of cars. But then it does convey some speed sensation, so it's a compromise. Again, can't have it all... And for what driving I get, I recon it's cheap as chips.
Edited by Onehp on Monday 7th October 12:49
My RS6 Performance. Ran on bespoke H&R coilovers; despite the ride height it rode better than stock and, believe it or not, I had no issue with speedbumps either (thanks to the short front overhang).
They are just be ultimate really; tick just about every box. Look forward to seeing how the new one does.
Mr Gearchange said:
I can get up to 32mpg on my commute if I use the M1 and it’s myriad of 50mpg average speed cameras. However if I give it a squirt up the J16 exit it drops it by 2mpg over an 80 mile journey!
I find that the cruise control does the best job of maintaining cylinder deactivation as a mere hint of throttle adjustment sees it light up the other 4 cylinders immediately.
Mine has done 24.6mpg since I owned it (6 months and 15k miles). My E46 M3 did 22.7 over 25k miles.
24.6? Blimey. I'm averaging about 21 over the last 6 months. It's the performance so not sure how much difference it makes. I find that the cruise control does the best job of maintaining cylinder deactivation as a mere hint of throttle adjustment sees it light up the other 4 cylinders immediately.
Mine has done 24.6mpg since I owned it (6 months and 15k miles). My E46 M3 did 22.7 over 25k miles.
It's an amazing car though, so docile and easy to drive but an absolute beast when you want it to be.
I just wish they'd updated the tech over its lifetime. Mines a 2016 facelift and is a touch old school with a lot of the infotainment stuff.
Edited by Zippee on Monday 7th October 16:41
maccas99 said:
Shakermaker said:
Yes, drive it every day on my commute!
Local?
Yes mate, I'm in Mannings Heath. I thought it looked familiar, backed this up by Googling WH Coaches... Local?
Unlucky on the crash, that part is a bit tight through there! Did someone force you out of the way?
Yeah its a bit narrow, and I darted left to avoid a deer that had jumped out, clearly I darted too much/too fast and the wet road didn't help matters either it seems. Didn't hit the deer at all and the bugger didn't even stop to check if I was ok, neither did any of the sheep!
You'll probably see me around in my old Skoda for a bit longer, given that I haven't actually managed to sell it yet, until I get something to replace the Volvo!
Shakermaker said:
Ha, nice one. I tend to drive through MH around 8pm every evening as I attempt to get my daughter to sleep, I'm on "your side" of Horsham just off Brighton Road.
Yeah its a bit narrow, and I darted left to avoid a deer that had jumped out, clearly I darted too much/too fast and the wet road didn't help matters either it seems. Didn't hit the deer at all and the bugger didn't even stop to check if I was ok, neither did any of the sheep!
You'll probably see me around in my old Skoda for a bit longer, given that I haven't actually managed to sell it yet, until I get something to replace the Volvo!
This is the reason I avoid Grouse Road and Hammerpond - pot holes and deer. I actually go the long way round up through Lower Beeding and Handcross for that reason. You'll see me in a white Golf R or Osmium grey V90 CC when I actually drive them!Yeah its a bit narrow, and I darted left to avoid a deer that had jumped out, clearly I darted too much/too fast and the wet road didn't help matters either it seems. Didn't hit the deer at all and the bugger didn't even stop to check if I was ok, neither did any of the sheep!
You'll probably see me around in my old Skoda for a bit longer, given that I haven't actually managed to sell it yet, until I get something to replace the Volvo!
maccas99 said:
Shakermaker said:
Ha, nice one. I tend to drive through MH around 8pm every evening as I attempt to get my daughter to sleep, I'm on "your side" of Horsham just off Brighton Road.
Yeah its a bit narrow, and I darted left to avoid a deer that had jumped out, clearly I darted too much/too fast and the wet road didn't help matters either it seems. Didn't hit the deer at all and the bugger didn't even stop to check if I was ok, neither did any of the sheep!
You'll probably see me around in my old Skoda for a bit longer, given that I haven't actually managed to sell it yet, until I get something to replace the Volvo!
This is the reason I avoid Grouse Road and Hammerpond - pot holes and deer. I actually go the long way round up through Lower Beeding and Handcross for that reason. You'll see me in a white Golf R or Osmium grey V90 CC when I actually drive them!Yeah its a bit narrow, and I darted left to avoid a deer that had jumped out, clearly I darted too much/too fast and the wet road didn't help matters either it seems. Didn't hit the deer at all and the bugger didn't even stop to check if I was ok, neither did any of the sheep!
You'll probably see me around in my old Skoda for a bit longer, given that I haven't actually managed to sell it yet, until I get something to replace the Volvo!
Grouse and Hammerpond, just make so much sense for where I live and work.
Though I did MH/Plummers/Handcross last week, in an effort to avoid the awful, awful roadworks at Pease Pottage at least on the way in to work. Can't avoid them coming home as I work in that little business park just up the road from K2
jamesbilluk said:
Welshbeef said:
Loving the car! Really is a fantastic bit of kit, 
Lovely indeed. Beasty....but subtle..and a nice....tasteful... rich... not shouty colour....
Edited by M1C on Tuesday 8th October 12:33
Onehp said:
A bit of a project, trying to reconcile sports car with a family estate, always a compromise of sorts but I did quite well, and having both along at any time is rather invaluable. Worth sharing for those that like the idea, this thread seemed the right place.
Bought new because couldn't find a manual 2nd hand (not UK), which was one big reason for this choice. The other two are low weight (for the space, near 600l boot) and a good basis for modification as there is a huge community and number of parts available.
So it's 1410kg kerb and handles quite well from the off.
But it was a bit aloof past 8/10ths so some work was done to get some feel back in all the controls. A few uniballs instead of big rubber bushings with voids at key locations without making the car rock hard. Light wheels. Rear arb. Lower arms, custom alignment. VAQ diff tweaks. Pads. Shortshift/stroke clutch. Basically adressing all shortcomings as I found them.
Engine upgraded primarily to improve response and top end, now FBO stage2 E85. It having a similar power to weight as an RS6 Performance is purely a side product. Or a GT4, at the same kerb weight (!). Not imagining it being equal, but don't underestimate a good Hot hatch/estate. The way it moves across very twisty backroads is amazing and completely fullfills my driving needs. Even does a pretty good impersonation of a rally car on gravel roads with its new found balance. Ideally I would want 4wd in winter but that would spoil a lot of its playfull character and the challenge of putting down that power... Can't have it all. It does transport kids and strollers in relative comfort, although the wife does complain a bit it's not the quietest of cars. But then it does convey some speed sensation, so it's a compromise. Again, can't have it all... And for what driving I get, I recon it's cheap as chips.
Edited by Onehp on Monday 7th October 12:49
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