So I’ve had my ST a few days and a few days running about in it. I have a few niggles list, not sure which are par for the course, which are just running in and which might be a cause for concern.
Firstly, a few bits that I missed with slightly glazed eyes at the handover. Some of the panel alignments are a tiny bit out but I imagine they’d be regarded as within tolerances. The front splitter has some slight gaps on each end between it and the body. Then there is a slight ding/ripple in the plastic trim over one of the wheel arches. Like I say, I imagine all of these are within tolerances and are typical of a mass produced car.
Then flip and positive side, the looks I find really pleasing on the eye, the colour is just me completely, the seats I love and the ear to ear smile every time I press the start button. It properly pulls too and I can’t wait for it to be run in. The gear change is smoother, slicker and more pleasing than the demo car I had. The B&O makes a bigger difference than I thought it would and really enjoying some tunes. The grip and the steering I like. I don’t find it too twitchy after getting used to it as some reviews stated.
One niggle that is getting under my skin which has been mentioned before is Active Braking switching itself on every time the engine is started. There is no way I’m going to let it jump on the brakes like a driving instructor so I have to disable it manually every time. It’s part of the routine now just like putting the belt on, plugging the phone in and hitting the S button.
Two potential issues. The first is the brakes feel quite spongey and aren’t giving me a lot of confidence. I expected them to be a bit of a ‘cleaner’ feel for all round discs. Maybe they’ll run in a bit yet. The handbrake feels like it needs to be pulled on pretty hard to hold the car too so I may need these checking out if it carries on. The other is an occasional bit of a clunk when disengaging 1st or 2nd gear. Nothing is felt through the gear stick, but is felt through the floor by driver and passenger and an audible clunk. I think it has done it 6-7 times in 150 miles. Whether this is a bit of a problem brewing or just something that I’m not used to. I don’t think it’s a loud exhaust pop or wastegate. So whether it’s transmission or something with the diff I don’t know.
Last one is…. Bl**dy birds! It properly needs a wash already.
in my old Mini Van.
