The noise to be fair on the ZS diesel was not very load at all.
Whereas the ST engine rev's far too high. I common moan easily found on any forum, hence making it 'need' a 6th gear.
Is this the reason why the juice gets supped quickly?

Have owned a Merc before, and that was Ok apart from when it was in the garage!

I do fancy taking another ST out for a proper spin on my own, rather than having a twitchy sales guy next to me. It wasnt that i thought the St rattled, it was just because of the stiff ride, making you feel every minor pot hole.

Going to also take a Cooper out. Got to test the water with all of them now before making up my mind.
One thing that hasnt got mentioned is the Megane Sport 210 or what ever the bhp is.
Anyone had one of those b4??

Have a good weekend all.
Cheers
Steve

Its a Renault megane RS 225 BHP but there a new one with 5BHP extra,(230BHP) I think its the F1 edition, come in blue with black alloys and sport pack which is on option on the Basic RS there also a light version with a sport pack as well but with only 225BHP its call (I Think) Synergie RS or someting like that and its the cheapest one and the F1 version the msot expensive If I correct! its a good car good handling with sport pack version (more direct steering response, different suspension set up and sharper engin response. but the Golf GTI is better than the megane and what about a Focus ST!

When i test drove the ST i was a bit disapointed too, it's not lightning quick, but it is reasonably fast but you do have to work it a bit. I usually drop a gear if i want a bit of accelaration for an overtake or something. It handles brilliantly though and that is it's strength over other cars, which have the bhp and the turbochargers. It is really fun to drive on a nice twisty A-road, more so than a big A4 would be i would have thought. It's more fun in those circumstances than my Dad's Beemer, which i drive too, anyway.

Cheeks - I suggest you borrow a 1.8T Cab for an hour mate.
Drop the multi-tronic in 'S' mode, whic drops the car and ups the power.
The Audi is a big car, but handles like a dream, trust me.

Today I took a brand new Mini Cooper out on a test drive.
Have to be honest again, it was times better than the ST, I would even say not in the same league for seating position and comfort. My decision has gone to a Cooper, going to get one in a week or two.
Sorry chaps, no comparison. Handling yeh, prob similar, but nothing else.
ST might be faster, but its a Fiesta at the end of the day, and over-priced one at that.

Well, I hope you enjoy your new cooper, only trouble with them is that there are so many about, every other car I pass is a new mini.

Every other!
Blimey, do you live in Mini land.

Know what you mean, there are a few about, but there must be a reason! unlike ST's!

The Mini does have advantages over the ST, not least depreciation and brand cache, but I hope for your sake the MK 2 is better built than the first! The seats on the last generation were nowhere near as comfortable as the ST, so it looks as if they've improved that, alongside the fuel economy and suspension.

But as for being overpriced, I just bought an ST for £10.5K, as far as i'm aware the cooper starts at a shade under £13K with no discount possible, they have an equal-ish standard spec, but the ST is much faster and comes with a 6 cd and heated screen as standard - another £500+ option for the mini.

Coming from an S, I couldn't face the lack of power in a cooper, but if your not used to a fast hatch then it probably won't make any odd's - either way enjoy, i'm sure you'll find lots of advice on the mini2 forums!

M

cheers for that markant!
the power didnt seem too bad on the cooper.
i think the biggest judgement was on the seating position.
i was just too high up on the ST, however the Mini i was on the deck!!!
just how i like it!!!

i think you never get an investement in any car purchase, you are always going to lose money.
really impressed though that all you guys are opened minded and dont take things to heart!
unlike silly football forums where people act like kids!

you have my respect as fellow forum member, one which i will keep in my faves, purely because of the great friendly banter! right that enuff a55 licking!!!
laters dude.
Steve