Damn!
Spent so long minting the Exeo, the sun was setting by the time I got out in it. Wearing tinted specs for the glare initially, but after a stunning sunset realised I'd forgotten to bring my night-time glasses along. Felt such a **** wearing shades after dark - and almost certainly looked like one too.
Car looks great, though - and got 48mpg from a motorway/A-road/city centre mix. Initial impressions? It takes a long time to warm up and the diesel's a bit grumbly until it does, and I'm surprised it won't trundle along in second in 10 mph traffic without feeling that first might be a better option. First gear feels too high and second is a tad too low, in my opinion, but that might be me not used to it yet. First also seemed a bit reluctant to engage on occasion, but no biggie. Engine's a bit gruff below 1500 revs, but smooths out nicely around 2500, and most of the diesel clatter seems to stay outside the cabin where it belongs. But then I've just traded in a V5 Toledo, so almost anything else feels a bit agricultural after its turbine-like smoothness. Ride is on the acceptable side of firm but at least it's quiet. Bit of road noise on coarser surfaces.
The armrest's a pain - always seems to be in the way, especially when operating the handbrake with it UP, never mind down. (The one in my Toledo went "click" one day and refused to budge forever more - I didn't miss it). Handbrake also feels a bit cheap and creaky, as do the door bins.
Never thought I'd hear myself say this, but one thing I DO miss is the Toledo's electric seats. The manual set-up in the Exeo just doesn't have as many options to play with for making sure people in the back have adequate leg room too. For the size of car, it sure is tight in there. I'm 6'3, and raising the driver's seat seems to remove a bit of under-thigh support for lanky legs, which was never an issue with the Tolly. Have to do a bit more experimentation to find the best compromise, I think, but if it was company money - rather than my own - and the budget allowed, I'd go for the electric option, along with the BOSE hi-fi. The standard one's OK but a bit weak on bass, something I imagine will need addressing in the fullness of time. Maybe uprate the speakers?
Still, you buy the best one you can afford - and this model still ticks all my boxes, although a decent drive will have to wait. But it's already proved it's fast, efficient and pretty luxurious. I'll be interested to see if it has a personality too.
Although mine is the CR170 so I'm not lacking any punch. The Exeo is so much better built. and has such a nice ride.
