Top Gear Tonight

Andrew Rolland wrote:  .......and got abuse from the Mrs for ignoring her last night while trying to watch the bit I missed.

Glad to here I'm not the only one who gets it in the neck for that. Why the flipping heck do they always wait until there is something on the TV!

From my recollection they chose a Suzuki Liana because it was the only car any one would give them.

Personally I would like to try a new Turbo Diesel. I have been in the 'tractor engine' camp for a while but I would like to actually find out for myself if they are any good. As for the benefits of MPG, well since they hold their value much better than petrol engined cars you will only get your money back when you sell it on again as far as I can see, unless you do mega miles or keep it for years.

SG535d wrote: Oh well, guess you'll not be wanting a pax lap at the next meet j/k

I hope I haven't offended diesel boyz as it is not my intention.  I am merely expressing my opinion on the 'turbo' matter that people seem to forget too easily if they even notice.  And I agree with Stephen on the sound of diesels.  straight 6 or v8 purring away or diesel 'noise' - no brainer for me.  but each to their own.  lack of revs bothers me big time as well by the way.  one thing i will admit is that they are far more popular nowadays.

but what gets me is one of the first thing diesel owners mention is their 'mpg' - who cares!  if that matters so much then walk you tree hugging freak!

i read in bmw car mag about the survey between the 530i and 530d.  you need to do over 35k a year for three years to break even on the cost of ownership of the diesel over the petrol.  people just see the magic mpg figures and start to drool.  they have their place i will be the first to admit but i feel that true enthusiasts will always be petrol heads and not diesel heads.

i buy bm's for their rwd, straight six sound, looks and sweet handling.  NOT for their exclusivity as I am well aware they are as common as muck nowadays - so i am under no illusions there.

all of the above rant is purely opinion so just discard it for the twoddle it is if you disagree. 

stephenperry wrote: modern tds are quick and relatively refined, of that there is no doubt,  but they don't rev and they still clatter like old taxis or transits, theres no real pleasure to be had from listening to their engine note

Oh well, guess you'll not be wanting a pax lap at the next meet

j/k

i wonder what will happen to the suzuki when theyve finally finished with it/them?

could fetch a pretty penny on ebay purely on its star connection

stephenperry wrote: Yeeeessss, thank god, the petrol won

I don't buy into this whole 'diesel thing' at the moment.  People seem to forget too easily that these engines have turbo's attached.  The 535 has TWO!!  Now try sticking two turbos to the 530i and check out it's stats.  It would spank the tractor no problemo!  Is it just me with this opinion?

nicely done - concise and to the point