It's in the corners where the tyres make themselves known, gripping tenaciously despite the inherent softness in the chassis tune — plenty
of bodyroll suggesting the Alfa might fall off - line, but for the tyres» purchase.
The steering is light and direct, which makes negotiating tight corners and streets simple enough, while
mild bodyroll is kept well in check.
This top - spec model features Nissan's Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) system, which helps
reduce bodyroll when cornering by automatically adjusting hydraulic pressure in the shock - absorbers to counter cornering forces and bump impact.
The bespoke chassis tune is claimed to deliver a 10 per cent reduction
in bodyroll, courtesy of 20 per cent stiffer springs and stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars, while software mapping of the electric - assist steering has been retuned.
Other techno attributes
include bodyroll, squat and dive - quelling hydraulically - linked shock absorbers for the new generation five - link front and rear suspension, new electro - mechanical power steering, an eight - speed auto that replaces the old seven - speed dual - clutch, a maximum 60 kg reduction in kerb weight to 1730 kg (31 kg of that achieved by the swap from V8 to V6 alone) and 375 mm six - piston front brakes.
This CATS system also keeps the S - Type R firmly planted through corners without a ton
of bodyroll — unusual for a car of this size and weight.
The Barina RS rides well and although
some bodyroll is evident, it is a lack of relative tyre grip rather than any chassis issues that reveals itself first, with a gentle understeer.
There's also a well sorted suspension package, which does the typically French thing of allowing
some bodyroll before firming up, offering impeccable ride quality on all surfaces (even if the 17 - inch Michelin tyres are loud on most) and confidence - inspiring body control during hard cornering.
Actually, this 1.880 mm high «bus», as long as an S - Class, with a 2.145 kg kerbweight and able to carry a 905 kg payload, is extremely easy and pleasant to drive and
the bodyroll on bends is low.