[angie4m]

Originally Posted by Courant

No one seems to have mentioned the suspension differences between the 3 & 5-door, the type-s getting stiffer springs & revised dampers, lower rideheight, stiffer anti-roll bars. Looks aside (I don't think there's much difference here!) and practicality too (I guess you'll have to go and try with a child seat), the 3-door drives better than the 5-door. There's a little less body roll and the whole car sits down a little better when the roads get twisty. The 5-door felt slightly unstable (no, unstable is the wrong word, what i mean is the dynamic response in the cabin is more pronounced) when pushed; the type-s is much more confidence inspiring and settled. It's also possibly a slightly harder ride, but this is a negligible difference. Drive both, before making a decision, you'll only feel the difference if you drive a little harder down the b-roads and, if you do feel the difference, you might prefer the type-s.

Courant

I think it has been mentioned on these actually

Originally Posted by cb550

I've previously owned an ES diesel-now got the diesel Type S.No doubt in my mind;the type S is an aprecciably different animal-the handling just inspires confidence and always seems to have some in reserve.The ES at speed, I would have to back off a little,say on a winding B road.

My Type S (imo) actually rides better even though its suspension is a little firmer.Nothing wrong with either models,but for me it would be the 3 door every time.Only some test drives will decide for you

Originally Posted by Unknownsoldier

I agree try and take the little 'un out in the seat in the S for a test drive and see how she and the wife in the back fare, they can then tell you how they think the ride is, my rabbit prefers it in the front to the back cos he bounces around a bit (I know he prefers it cos he gets less grumpy after long trips if he's in the front ).

Tom