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With a deal on the table to good to miss - I have traded my 25,000+ mile 2002 Aero 5spd Auto sedan in silver for the same but 2003 spec in Steel Gray - some thoughts.
The 03 has been improved build quality wise without the interior squeaks and rattles that my 02 had from day one are no longer there. It seems to drive differently - more 'together' somehow.
The Pirelli P-Zero tyres are definitely quieter, and seem to give a sharper turn-in - though that probably because they haven't scrubbed in.
It could be my imagination but the throttle response seems more 'snappy' with the Auto box, happy to drop a gear even in modest acceleration - i.e London (UK) Traffic, sub 30 mph. Still showed 35mpg+ (imp gallons) cruising up the M40 (Freeway?? - very impressed.
The Sentronic gearbox paddles on the steering - seem like a useless gimmick - probably go the way of S-Silly mode - play with it for a month and the novelty wears off. It does work though - with sub second shifts.
My 02 had rain sensor wipers - which even after ordering as an option I really wasn't impressed with - though I never complained (no big deal).
I realise now they must have been faulty - cos' the new set-up is actually sensitive to the amount of rain - and varying the column switch actually makes a difference.
As noted before the 03s come minus the rear luggage net, and Warning triangle - I pointed this out in the handover and they let me keep the missing kit - and even had the workshop give me the two fittings that are also required - Service!
The electrically retractable mirrors are neat - though don't seem to give the same level of rearward visibility - maybe I haven't yet got used to them....
The engine Cam Cover's are naked alloy finished now - just a styling thing or are the 03 engines different in some way?
Oh yes had EBC Greenstuff pads put in on PDI - on virging disks and 250 miles - awesome!
posted by 81.129.57...
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