How to get the most from a V6S Test Drive

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scz4

New member
Hi guys,

With a big birthday approaching, always promised I'd buy myself something special to kick off the midlife crisis. I've had a lot of great drivers cars, but never a proper sexy looking motor, hence considering the F Type convertible. Already test drove the Z4 35is (not great) and 981 Boxster S (great, but not as exciting as I was hoping)

So I have a V6S on hire for Avis for the day at the end of the month. A 10 miles test drive with a dealer just doesn't work for me. Need to let these cars get under your skin. So I'm planning a 400 miles road trip over 24 hours, including an east to west coast of Scotland blast and back.

Coming from a BMW Z4M and currently a Honda S2000, which has no gadgets, no different driving modes, adaptive suspension, exhaust settings, flappy paddles etc, these are all a bit alien to me. What mode should I try for the test drive for and how to I engage the different settings? It'll all be bumpy, mountainous A or B class roads, so perhaps firmest isn't necessarily the best??

Anything else to consider, other than checking it fits in the garage :)

G
 
Morning,

You have enough miles to try all the modes.

I'd drive the first couple of minutes in full auto/normal while you get to know the car a bit, size etc then open the exhaust and move the stick left and drive with paddles, then stick it in dynamic and leave it there for the next 399 miles ;)


Then buy a V8

D
 
Thanks for the info. Really looking forward to it.

Do all cars come with Bluetooth audio streaming? I suspect the Avis car will be basic spec with no options.

V8 nah! Think I'll stick with the V6S :) Prefer more time on the throttle, rather than the brakes :) One thing I've learnt of the years is "less is more" when up in the hills! Also prefer the back-end.
 
I can appreciate the back end, the v6 is epic and the car will be brilliant.

I think they all come with Bluetooth.

Be prepared to feel a little remote coming from your M and s2000.
 
Thanks David.

I guess I'm looking for something a little more grown up just now, so accept it will be a trade-off. But the noise, road presence and that special feeling (I hope) will more than make-up for it I'm sure :)

That said, the S2000 is a keeper! I made the mistake of selling it back in 2013, but was fortunate to buy the same car back 18 months ago. I won't make that mistake again. They'll be nothing like it in 20 years.

Oh one last question. Other than steering feel, is it easy to identify under the bonnet if the car has hydraulic or electric steering?
 
scz4 said:
Thanks for the info. Really looking forward to it.

Do all cars come with Bluetooth audio streaming? I suspect the Avis car will be basic spec with no options.

V8 nah! Think I'll stick with the V6S :) Prefer more time on the throttle, rather than the brakes :) One thing I've learnt of the years is "less is more" when up in the hills! Also prefer the back-end.
Click to expand...

I hired through Avid for a weekend before I bought and the car was a Jaguar fleet card and AWD. It was very high spec and even had a carbon fibre roof. Enjoy!
 
I came from a 3.0 Z4
It’s a very different drive to the Z4. Much more torque and less revs needed. Deceptively quick in S guise. I’m fact the Z4 guys grew to respect it when we crossed the Lakes and Yorks Moors :)
Understand skipping the later Z and Porsche. I did the same
Best performance is shift to the left pull and hold the selector for dynamic and open the exhaust if you have the button. From them drive in paddles until you need some peace on motorways
As above spend a few miles learning first..
Close the exhaust in villages - it’s loud

Most important point from my learning is it’s a wider car than the Z...

Enjoy :)
 
Mine’s a 14 plate so fluid hydraulic steering, but coming from an XE I know the electric setup is supposed to be just as good.
Top converts in 12 secs too, which is great if you just pause at a junction.
Standard brakes are fine, but performance seats are sooo good - down in Tuscany as I write and long hours at a desk mean I have a sensitive back.
For me the switchable active exhaust was another must have, to be able to get smiles as you pop and fart at low speed too.
It does feel quite a wide car if you come from an S2000 but nicely driver focused.
At anything above -5 c and no rain I’m topless, sport, dynamic, and paddles - and with a big stupid grin a year in!
Recommend Tesco Momentum 99 for the best sounds ;)
Enjoy your day! 😎
 
I had an S2000 nearly 10 years ago. Great cars. I think you’ll find the FType more predictable when the back steps out because it will do it a lot easier at lower speeds than the S2000 because of both power and torque. The back on the V6S will twitch with traction control turned on but feels extremely well balanced to me.
As others have said, enjoy the test drive using the paddles in sports mode with dynamic switched on. You won’t miss the manual gear stick I promise.
 
Play with all the beautiful noises it makes - you’ll be hooked after that! Auto and sport mode up to 4K revs and letting it drop back makes a lovely burble with no effort needed from the driver!
 
Finally, it's almost the day, collecting the Avis hire F type tomorrow at 4pm for 24 hours.. Weather looks spectacular too up here in Scotland,, genuinely not been this excited about a "test drive" for years 8-) 8-) 8-)

Will report back.
 
Unfortunately, that's the F Type back with Avis :( :( What a 24 hours!! 450 miles clocked up and I'm absolutely smitten with the F Type.

Upon arrival I was told that there a problem with the booking, I instantly felt sick, only to be told they didn't have the V6 and I'd have make do with 2018 V8 R. Normally I welcome any car upgrade, but this I wasn't sure about. I was never planning on test driving the V8, always had my heart set on the V6S as I'm a believer in less is more and to be quite honest the V8 power is "wasted" on the Scottish roads up. Anyway, didn't have a choice, so just had to get on with it! :) :)

Negatives (I’ll get these out the way)
- Seats are not all that supportive, but are very comfortable. I think they’re the same seats as you get in the 400 Sport, not sure if they’re optional or not.
- Cruising at 80mph feels like 50mph
- Entertainment and touch screen is a faff. Much prefer an iDrive type setup. Also the screen is very difficult to read with the roof down and sun shining.
- Not a fan of the alacntara interior, but that’s just spec.
- Meridian Sounds system is decent, but given it’s a payable option I wasn’t blown away.
- Ride is firm, but acceptable for this type of car. It did get little jiggly at times on the worst single track roads, but we’re talking 10 miles out of 450.
- Sun visors are tiny! Lol
- Prefer the look of the V6 exhausts
- Not much engine\induction noise
- Can feel it’s weight on slow first gear corners.

Positives:
- Looks clearly! This is what attracted me to the F type first and foremost, I don’t think I need to add any justification on this point. Although I’m not a fan of black cars, would never buy one. But it’s clearly a head turner, got a lot of attention, folk walking up to it when it was parked, kids giving thumbs up etc.
- I’ve been in some fast cars, even a few older supercars (Gallardo, 360CS etc, but WOW!!!! So much grunt, relentless acceleration
- The noise… even more impressive than the performance! No idea how a car is allowed to leave a factory in this nanny state sounding like that, sensational. The noises you can get it to make are unbelievable, especially up against a dry stone dyke, tunnel or in town. Certainly wouldn’t need an aftermarket exhaust, which is usually something I do. Louder blips when changing down would be my only slight criticism.
- ZF box is very responsive, not need for dual clutch here. Drove 90% in manual mode. Really enjoyed using the paddles.
- Makes you feel very very special. A junior\affordable supercar.
- Handling is better than I expected for a big car, it was a slight concern I’ll be honest, but not now.
- Averaged 22mpg which is actually quite respectable give how it was driven.
- Love the V8 side skirts, really adds depth to the side of the car
- Steering wheel is very nice, didn't feel too big which I read in a few reviews.

So what next? I really need to try the V6 and make a decision what I want for my 40th. Hope I’m not disappointed after driving the V8. But the F type feels so much more special than the Boxster in every way. Always entertaining whether cruising or blasting, just has soooooo much character.











 
Sounds like you had fun.
I had a V6S convertible before my current R AWD coupe. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with it if you test drive one after the R. The noise of the V6S is equally as good as the V8 albeit just different. It spits, crackles and pops just as easily as the V8 (probably more so actually) and speed wise it absolutely feels quick enough and it will start to step out even with traction control left on. Damn good car.
The acceleration of the R is savage and the noise of a V8 needs no explanation. You perhaps have tested them in the wrong order but I still think you like the V6S.
 
Can't wait to try the V6S. I definitely think it'll be a good middle ground. I also heard a few reviews mentioning you get a lot more induction\engine noise, which was one of my minor complaints of the V8.

I've asked Avis to contact me next time they have a V6 available.
 
scz4 said:
Can't wait to try the V6S. I definitely think it'll be a good middle ground. I also heard a few reviews mentioning you get a lot more induction\engine noise, which was one of my minor complaints of the V8.

I've asked Avis to contact me next time they have a V6 available.
Click to expand...

I think you’ll prefer it with your Z4M and S2000 heritage if you can get the S version with its LSD. Less raw power for straight line grunt, but a more rewarding experience on drivers roads. I prefer to have to work the car a little for fun while keeping my licence.
Whatever you opt for I’m sure you enjoy it.
Look forward to seeing your comparative views
 
You will love the V6S. I have had mine for nearly a year & feel special every time I climb in it. The Wife took it to work this morning as I needed the Focus today. I watched her fire it up & take it off the drive & it just makes me smile, it just sounds & looks glorious.
Get one with the Pan roof, perf seats, styling/Black pack - its all about the spec. Here is mine.

IMG_0111.jpg
 
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