Why do so many journalist complain about the handling

[Vader]

My competitive driving days are long gone, but I am curious to hear from other owners. If you look at any video on youtube, almost to a one, the reviewers say the Cyberster is a GT and doesn't handle like a "sports car". I have not (and will not) track this car, but pushing on on a good road shows the Cyberster handles very well. The one fault I can see is that if you are in idiot mode traveling way faster than you should on a public road, a mid corner bump can slightly unsettle the quite nicely compliant suspension. If the suspension is too stiff, the opposite occurs and you bounce across the bump (from my Go-Kart days).

Now ironically, the rare review by an actual racing driver (the craziest being a hill climb by a 5 times rally champion) states the handling is really good. The terms "neutral", "50/50" and "planted front end" are heard. Now this is on a smooth circuit, or road, so the bump issue isn't visible. From my point of view, granted only from a few weeks ownership, is that this thing corners on rails with little to no body roll on a reasonable surface. I also have a cooper SE (electric cooper S), with track tyres which I consider handles very well. I don't notice any lower grip in the Cyberster, just a slower turn in due to the wheelbase.

My question is: are motoring journalist generally not as accomplished as say a professional driver (probably obvious said out loud), or are they looking for issues and making a mountain out of a mole hill. Unless you engage hooligan mode, I can't see needing a better handling car for legal speeds on a reasonable public road.

Thoughts?

 

[Jamesrr]

I wish I could comment from personal experience but sadly I only have the MG4 "ER 77" but even that handles as well as any car I've ever had and certainly better than most.

It should be remembered that motoring journalist is a pretty low rung on the journalism ladder...

 

[superglwl]

i have a 997 cabriolet on bilstein B8. That car handles better than the cyberster. I know its not a fair comparison. However, that being said. the front of the cyberster is fine. i am ok with it. but the rear floats like a boat on high speed. the only pain i feel about this car at this point of time.

 

[Jackolino]

Hello,

I agree with you. Tests often place demands on cars that 90% of drivers would never experience. The same applies when it is particularly important in a test to drift around corners, which is something we all need to do in the morning rush hour.

Yes, the rear axle sometimes bounces a little when you drive into a tight corner that is uneven. But I can easily live with that because I don't know of many corners where that is the case.

For the same reason, I don't mind if the brakes don't work as well after 5 heavy decelerations, because I don't actually drive in a way that causes that to happen. You have to weigh up for yourself to what extent such reports apply to you.

Regards, Stefan

 

[salty]

Wouldn't take any notice of what these amateur, U Tube reviewers say, they haven't got a clue. The Cyberster and indeed the X Power, which also has bad handling reviews, are perfectly fine, for real life driving, ok might be slightly lacking on a track, but the vast majority of drivers don't give a toss about that. Interesting as stated above, that an actual Racing Driver says it's very good. Says it all really.

 

[CyberNewbie]

What I find frustrating/annoying is that journalists are comparing the first of its kind to existing ICE vehicles such as the Z4, TT etc. rather than acknowledging that this is the first EV roadster.

Having a heavy battery under a car is going to be a challenge for all manufacturers looking at a sports EV. MG don't even call it a sports car at this stage (is a GT). All credit to MG for being first to market with a stunning looking car. I suspect that the equivalent Audi, BMW and Porsche roadsters, when they appear, will be at least 150% of the price of a Cynerster.

I love driving the Cyberster, but on a poor road surface it can be unpleasant for a passenger, but not a deal breaker. I hope (assume) MG will build on this first model. If MG get this right I believe that the Cyberster can become the EV version of the MX-5 once the market matures (an iconic cheap and popular roadster).

The market for EV roadsters does not seem to be there at the moment, mainly due to cost and the fact that cheap ICE are still there. EV prices will undoubtedly come down and when the economy recovers MG have a great opportunity given the experience with the Cyberster.