here you go peeps
Having spent the weekend playing with the new car, I thought I would post up my thoughts in comparison with the CR330 I had previously.
Initial ImpressionsThe CR330 was no shrinking violet, but the RS is much more “shouty” visually, especially in Ultimate Green. This will both appeal to some and put off others. I had a good look round a blue one on the day I collected mine, much more understated if that’s your thing.
Getting in, the first thing that hits you is that the seat feels too high – higher than in the ST. Strangely the next time you get in it feels ok The seats are firm and supportive. Everything else is pretty familiar to an ST owner, which is good in many ways, but also a little disappointing.
Start it up (a fair bit quieter than the CR330) and then discover the rear reversing camera – what a great piece of kit. I reverse in to every space now.
The Questions You Really Want To Know The Answers To:MPG – 21mpg – same as the CR330
Dump Valve – yes you can hear it much more than on the CR330
DrivingFirst thing you notice is the ride, it is very firm, bordering on harsh and harder than the CR330 even on coilovers. This may be due in some part to the seats, but there is no denying the additional firmness. I like a firm ride, but if you are seeking a true family car for long drives out with the kids then you need to try one before you buy.
It does make some lovely noises, but they are more restrained than those the CR330 made. Induction noise is greater though, it sounds similar to an ST fitted with a DS Induction kit in that respect.
Brakes are decent enough, fine for road use, with a really nice feel to them.
So which is the quickest? In a straight line the CR330 would probably be quicker. In fact those running Stage 3 ST’s will probably sit on the bumper of and RS on the motorway. The calibration on the RS however is in a different league to anything I have experienced in an ST, it has a relentless delivery of power and torque that makes B road progress effortless.
And B roads is where the RS starts to widen the gap on the CR330. Grip is unbelievable as is the traction out of corners. The feedback through the steering wheel has taken some getting used to, but once familiar with it it provokes enormous confidence when cornering. The CR330 would drift in to mild understeer on high speed corners that the RS would just simply pull you through. Slower corners, the CR330 would spin the wheels on exit, the RS just launches towards the next corner.
If it were possible for me to drive both cars at the same time I would quickly run out of talent trying to follow the RS in the CR330, most likely finding a hedge. The difference to me is night and day, but I am sure others will feel differently.
CR330 or RSI bought the ST new and converted it to a CR330 immediately, but I would suggest anyone doing so now would be best looking at the RS.
Is the RS worth it for those with modified ST’s looking at a £10k-£15k additional investment? Yes and no.
You get 90% of the fun with the CR330 (as you would no doubt with any Stage 3 / 4 ST), so it’s a hell of a lot of money for that extra 10%. Also, if it’s your only family car you really do need to consider the hard ride. A modded ST also has the element of suprise to those not in the know, the RS will probably attract every wanabee on the road.
That said, the RS is not a modded ST where parts are bolted on in the hope of perfect integration with those already there. It really is an incredibly well engineered package, and therefore, not surprisingly, I think it’s worth the money.
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