Well our dealer had an open house test and drive for the new 453 yesterday. One of the road, one in the showroom and two out behind. I think they are all Passions. 16 people registered to come to the event.
The one for test drive was the Matte Grey /black tridion with the solid black roof. No panorama, however the showroom model did. Both cars that I tried on for size were DCT.
Mixed emotions about the drive. I have the 2016 Passion ED
so stepping on it is way different than the 453. Power does come on with the turbo, but I felt the lag and slowing down did cause a shift that I wasn't expecting, but then mine is and EV so it would be different and I'm sure I would get used to it.
However at a stoplight it wanted to creep and felt like it was surging and then stumbling as if it would stall - it didn't. Car had less than 400 km so it might be just too new and adjustment needed.
Inside the interior is way nicer than mine and it feels much more upscale. I like everything about it - except that temperature slide is hard to read when you are driving and want to adjust, and that cradle for the phone that I would get rid of. You cant see the station presents because it blocks the view.
Another issue is the rear view mirror. Field of vision isn't very far, but that might have been my fault. The seat might have not been low enough - I didn't try it.
It didn't have power mirrors either - boo. :smad: Hard to adjust and a pain if more than one person is going to be driving it. I'm tall, the other half isn't. You get the picture. Sole driver would have no issues after setting them up.
The test car did have the Sport Package and aside from the all black wheels, it's worthwhile getting. I would use those wheels with winter tires and get something shiny for the summer! :cheers:
Handling and steering were very good. Steering wheel I think is supposed to be leather, but it didn't feel like it was and mine I like more.
Conclusion: I like it a lot and maybe one of each would be appropriate. I can safely say that because the boss doesn't come and read this site....Merry Christmas