Test drove one today. Felt too tame and soft. Need to test drive 6-speed and sport suspension to see if it is a buy. I really want to love this car, but it felt too "cushy". The salesman made a good point that compared to a CRV or RAV4 it is better, but could be sportier. Comments?

 

Felt similarly. Although, I've driven both a crv, and a rav4, they're not even in the same playing field. But that's a whole other debate on thoughtful design vs. utilitarian design. etc etc...

But when I drove the S All4 auto, I felt like I was just along for the ride... And although sometimes I like a cushy ride, I wanted a bit more control and a firmer ride. I ordered getrag, and sport suspension. Figure it'd fix it.

 

You need the sport suspension.

 

Great feedback! Glad I am not alone. Let us know how you like the getrag and sport suspension.

 

Surprising there aren't more folks with the Sport Suspension. It's just not very common, it seems.

My dealership says that they will not order it on cars that they plan on selling off the lot, and no one who has ordered a car has chosen it. Go figure! Have never been able to even test drive one!

Well, even if I just ordered it today, I will eventually have it, although with the 6 speed manual! Can't wait to tell everyone my thoughts on it!!! Having an R32, having had a JCW MCSC, a Passat W8 with the sport package, an Audi A4 with the sport package, and god knows what else (let's just gloss over the Prius!), seems like I just have to have it!

 

The Auto Countryman AWD I tested felt OK, though I'm not sure if it had sport suspension or not. I ordered it with sport suspension though, as I've always erred on the side of handling over a cushy ride.

In sport mode the automatic felt like it was reasonably powerful though I could always use more.

Don't have the option to get a manual so basically I plan to get the automatic and "make it work".

 

I test-drove All4's with an auto and a manual. Of the two, the auto actually felt more responsive. Makes no sense at all, but that's how it felt.

I'm still planning on looking into one next year, and I'll probably stick with the stick anyway. But I think the first thing I'm going to do when it comes home is call Jan at RMW to give it a little kick in the a$$.

 

If I go CM instead of JCW Clubbie it'll definitely have the sport suspension, if only to hold me over until some good coilovers hit the market and I can close up that wheel gap. :D I also felt the non-sport suspension was a bit too soft. Not bad, but just a bit too squishy.

 

I drive in NYC all day so I did not get it, only drove the car back from the dealer this past Sunday. Love the ride so far. I am not planning on tracking the CM like i do the 05 mcs or the Z.