Agreed. The stereo is excellent, although the USB iPod controls are terrible. The connection puts the iPod into some kind of sync mode so you can't select songs directly from it, you have to use the radio controls which have about a 3-5 second delay between tracks.formerreda3 wrote: Best attributes--handles very well for a sedan, quiet, well put together, terrific stereo,
Worst attribute--not enough sensation of speed allowing one to drive too fast
Great gas mileage with regular--30 mpg over first 600 miles driving 65% highways; 35% city streets/country roads.
Handling is good. I took it up to my folks place which is up a winding mountain road. With AWD on icy/packed snow roads going uphill it felt like the road was almost dry. That day alone made me happy with my decision to buy the car. Coming down was easy as well - paddle shifters helped keep the car in the correct gear to kept me from going flying off the edge of the mountain.
formerreda3 nailed it on the "slow" feeling. My wife and I were on the highway doing 65 and passing traffic, but it still felt like I could get out and walk faster. Between the going faster than it feels and the CVT not "shifting" its pretty easy to hit 80 MPH on an on-ramp and not even realize you're going that fast. Speeding tickets might be a problem if you have a lead foot.
1st: Agreed. Rock Solid is a good description. No rattles, squeaks or anything like that. Its quiet (for the most part) and just a solid, comfortable ride. Not what you expect from a Suzuki.formerreda3 wrote:Having owned the six speed manual GTS for only two weeks, I can only give you my initial impression.
First, the car is rock solid; second, it handles beautifully; third, it is quiet; fourth, the Rockford Fosgate system is terrific; fifth, the heat comes on unbelievably quick which is no mean feat in New England; sixth, vision is great all around; seventh, power vs. gas mileage is more than adequate; eighth, plenty of room front and back; ninth, the best ideas from Audi were incorporated into the car (lane change turn signal causes the blinker to stay on for three blinks; individual heat controls for passenger and driver).
2nd: agreed so far - I haven't really taken it out and beat it up yet. Its only got 400 miles on it, but the AWD system handled twisty, icy roads like a champ. Best drive I've had up that mountain yet.
4th: Minus the iPod controls. BT to my iPhone for music is also quiet and gets confused a bit - losing sound. Sound however I can't complain about!
6th: The huge mirrors and huge pillars make winding mountain roads at night a little tough. Visibility around left hand corners from the drivers seat was rough when you're keeping an eye out for deer in the dark.
More to come....