Mate!
U been some place that I am now in :-(
I had a Subaru Legacy 3L 242bhp 4wheel drive,
lots of toys and on 50mpg on LPG! :-(
past couple of winters and it didn't let me down in snow -
In fact most people don't really know what car it is and watched
in amazement as drive up snow roads (whilst most cars turn back after getting stuck!).
But, the Legacy was getting old and had done 130k+
So I search for a European car alternative but was reliable.
I ended up searching for a Octavia 4x4 1.8T -
but thought it was still costly and finally ended up with
my current 2wd Superb diesel for economy reasons.
Loved it as like your 535d quiet and fully loaded.
But driving the choppy noisy diesel I didn't like.
I thought I could get use to it - plus the skidding front wheels every time I put much foot down.
Then I was given a 2010 A4 1.8T courtesy car -
Though it lack in toys and I was NOT happy thy given me an A4 (not A6 - lol)!
But I LOVED the driving!
It reminded what I missed in the quiet/smooth petrol
and the joy of putting my foot down with little wheel spin (like the AWD Subaru
I wanted one then and there!
Took a few more weeks to take the plunge - for financial reasons.
And HERE I AM!
Lol
Wow - u beat the 535d?
Or was it down to the driver? Wink wink?