There, I've said it...
Truth be said, the love set in pretty early on, but its taken some time to adjust my stubborn D2 lovin ways and admit to myself (and everyone else) that in fact it really is better.....
That W12 LHD D2 has gone back on Ebay at 6 grand, and before now I'd have been cancelling work and flying down to give it the once over and a drool, but to be honest, it just doesnt really excite me any more.....
This D3 is quicker, quieter, stiffer, more agile, more economical, more responsive, more comfortable and infinitely more technologically advanced....
... and thats saying something, its not like the D2 is in anyway outdated in its equipment. Most of the kit in the D2 is still special, and wouldnt find its way onto lower mainstream models today...
... but the D3 goes one better, and delivers beyond what you expect from a car.
The little things.....
Keyless entry - What the heck was all that faffing around finding keys and putting them in the ignition for the jangling noise to ruin the ambient silence for the journey ?
Radar Cruise - Really, a car that just does the speed you set it at.... I got in the wifes car the other car and nearly rammed some bloke on the M1 as I just expected it to slow down.... and it didnt.. oops
Coming home lights - Yes, I thought what a gimmick, but wow, how handy is it to have some extra light pointing at your front door, especially when its falling dark at 4pm ?
Interior light pack - Its a small, and cheap thing relitively, but it brings a glow of prestige to a car that is already dripping in quality.... I love it.
Air suspension - Wow. How do we live without it ???...
I have a rented house at the moment with a steep drive and awfully sharp pitch at the top. The D2 would ground out for sure, but the D3, I just lift it up a bit.... And when I want to go mad, I make the sport suspension even sportier and honestly, I cannot get it to ground out or put a foot wrong... Many a D2 I've been able to fault on this with the lower sport suspension...
The brakes are better, the gearbox has 6 gears, the engine has more power and the MMI takes a short while to get completely used to, but then the whole car is at your command......
I have to get up at 5am tomorrow and drive 150 miles... and I simply cannot wait....
I love this car so much yet one thing would make me part with it in an instant.....
... a D3 S8...
....and tonupkid, you might want to stand well away from your car mate at the next meet, or I might just have to take full advantage of the keyless entry and take yours out for a joyride...
