I picked mine up yesterday and I've covered 200 miles in it today. I previously had an Aero 8 S3.
Here are my observations so far;
1. The ride is much more composed than the S3. The car rides bumps/pot holes in the road far better than the S3. The ride is smoother and the handling, particularly on twisty roads, has really advanced.
2. The cockpit is tighter than the S3. I put this down to two modifications, one, the seats are not able to move as far back due to the positioning of the fuel tank (I think this applies from the S4 onwards). The fitted doors narrow the cockpit slightly.
3. I like the hood. I know some think this it a retrograde step but hood off the lines of the car look fantastic and it stows away in a separate section behind the seats. The removable frames will in my view help to make this one of the most water tight Morgans.
4. Wind noise at speed is up on the S3. I put that down to no lining inside the hood. BUT......it's a Morgan.....what else you gonna do......listen to the radio!!!
5. I wanted the rear sports exhaust but was not able to have it without the sports pack (red brake calipers, black rear diffuser). I didn't want these so I have the standard exhaust. It's far too quiet. I looking to have a sports exhaust retro fitted so that I can hear the V8 (that's why you buy an Aero isn't it!!).
6. The fit out in the cabin is a real step up on quality compared to the S3.
7. The remote central locking and cruise control actually work! :-)
8. I was dubious about the new dashboard but it looks great, well laid out and everything to hand. I like the painted dashboard and I didn't think I would.
9. The manual with the new Aero 8 is on a par with other major car manufacturers. Again another step up on quality.
10. The short shift gear box (mine is a manual) is brilliant. It just fits in the hand and with small movements your up and down with ease. Love it :-)
In my view Morgan have taken the old Aero, and all that was good about it, and just made it better whilst shedding some of the things that were not so good (mainly quality issues). Time will tell as I drive the car more but early signs are this is positive evolution.
