Hi All,

So 6 months in to owning this car - wife mainly uses it for local runs so a long run to Paris was a trip I was looking forward to - some key messages:

* Wow - so much more comfortable to drive longer journeys than our previous 2.0D X3
* Very little traffic jams - averaged 30MPG with mixed driving
* Sat Nav a bit fiddly to use but worked well
* Bit of a faff to tune into Paris DAB channels but once scanned, all ok
* Parts of the journey windy / heavy rain / night time driving - again, car coped with ease
* Climate control not the best - felt i was changing between 21 / 22 frequently - either too cold / warm
* Select the tall vehicle category on the Eurotunnel so alloys don't get kerbed
* On our return, engine feels loosened up and more smoother - will definitely be fitting some of these longer trips in, in the future

Overall, really impressed.

Rgds
Prashan MY16, 3.0D HSE Dynamic, Barola Black, TV, Rear Entertainment, Opening Pan Roof, Meridian

That sort of journey and off road trips are what it excels at - quite a few members “commute” to the ski slopes in France and Switzerland in theirs over the winter. It is one thing I miss now I don’t have an RRS - head off on a 450 mile day trip and you don’t feel any aches and pains or tiredness at the end - the FFRR is even better at continent crossing in comfort.
Your point about the climate control was a problem I noticed in all 3 RRS’s and the 2010MY FFRR I’ve owned - stratification of temperature isn’t that great when you want warmth,cold A.C. though is excellent! Oddly my Countryman’s climate (I paid extra for it as only air con is standard) is similar - despite the heater giving fierce heat out even at setting 24/25 but the sensor doesn’t seem that sensitive to small temperature fluctuations. The first L322 FullFat in 2003-2005 I owned had really really good temperature control and stratification. 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

The issue with temperature is something I've noticed too. I generally set it to 20 and then use the heated seat if wanting a touch more warmth. I'd rather that than have it blowing a touch too hot.

I agree about the long range ability of the RRS. Done the trip down to northern Spain three times now in both of my RRS and they do cover the miles so effortlessly. Nowhere near 30mpg for me though - I'd guess that AT tyres don't help there.

I use the tall carriage on Eurotunnel so that I can get out and have a stretch - nice and "airy" and not full of oiks. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Thanks both... thought I was imagining things with the climate... didn’t feel the journey whatsoever... may try a longer trip to the alps next MY16, 3.0D HSE Dynamic, Barola Black, TV, Rear Entertainment, Opening Pan Roof, Meridian

Completely agree about the long distance cruising ability of these cars. We do a 1,200 mile round trip in ours three or four times a year and find it’s a great way to travel.

You’re right about the tall carriages on Eurotunnel too although I’ve occasionally been told to go in the regular carriage even if I booked the tall one (it does fit but it doesn’t feel as though there’s much clearance - even in access height!). Current: 2020 P400e HSE Dynamic

Gone: 2016 SDV6 HSE
2012 SDV6 SE

I do West Mids to Edinburgh and Glasgow several times a year, so a 700 or so mile round trip each time, and it is a great car for it whether cruising along or driving a bit more "enthusiastically."