The Car Thread

[charlesr]

Turn em off and use the windows?

[abigsmurf]

More fuel efficient to use air conditioning on the motorway. Less noisy too.

[Number45]

All done. Ordered in white, with no other options in the end. The car I drove was standard with the exception of the 19" alloys (Which look worse up close than they do in pictures - they're a bit too busy) and obviously in violent yellow!

Excuse the iPhone pics... and my thumb.





Also, I can't believe what an improvement in quality it is. Whereas in the Clio I always know how fast I'm going in this I definitely had to keep an eye on the dials. Cruising down the dual carriageway at 90 really felt like 60/70 would have in the Clio.

It's a much smoother drive as well. Just the right balance of involvement for me and comfort for everyone else. Thoroughly impressed.

Now I have to wait until July. :'(

[ChrisF]

I hate French cars, as a rule, but that looks really nice Number45! Hope the wait isn't too agonising for you. For what it's worth, I'm currently under a self imposed rule of no new car until August. It's killing me!

I quite like those 19" wheels btw... but I dread to think what the ride quality would be like on them.

[J0e Musashi]

I've been mulling over a VW Beetle RSi for a few weeks now. Some days I think it looks great, others I do not. Quite exclusive at only 250 worldwide and it can shift. Doesn't have the daisy on the dash either

The biggest thing stopping me is that it's LHD. They didn't make it in RHD at all. Does anybody drive a left-hooker? What's it like on UK roads? I'm not sure if I could get used to it.

[nakamura]

Sorry I think that Renault is disgusting. Horrible rear, too squashed. Not my thing.


New saloon Impreza for fans!

http://www.caradvice.com.au/64898/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-prototype-spied-on-the-ring/

[Yakumo]

I've seen on of those new Impreza out on the road and must say it looks even better in real life. Gone are the ****ty family hatchback looks of the last model and back in are the saloon rally sport looks. A car I'd love to have but considering my current Impreza is only 3 years old I'll be waiting a few more years.

Yakumo

[nakamura]

Yeah I love it too. Cannot stand the boring new Evo, looks like a Ford, but the Impreza has the looks for me.

[GarageNation]

so have they changed the impreza shape again. I do love my jap cars thou, especially RX7's

[Hohum]

That Renault you've just bought Number45 - rear view visibility, surely it can't be that great? Don't think they could have made that back screen any smaller... are you supposed to use guesswork when reversing?

[TheForce]

I'm no fan of French cars but that Megane is looking really nice and from what I've read and heard is an absolute blast to drive (and that's what counts) !! it's supposed to be excellent on the track as well, have fun with your new "toy" !!

rear view visibility, surely it can't be that great? Don't think they could have made that back screen any smaller... are you supposed to use guesswork when reversing?

Who cares when it's that much fun to drive it, I hear nobody complaining about rear visability when there is a new Lambo or McLaren for sale

[EvilBoris]

I've been mulling over a VW Beetle RSi for a few weeks now. Some days I think it looks great, others I do not. Quite exclusive at only 250 worldwide and it can shift. Doesn't have the daisy on the dash either

The biggest thing stopping me is that it's LHD. They didn't make it in RHD at all. Does anybody drive a left-hooker? What's it like on UK roads? I'm not sure if I could get used to it.

You won't be considered the import Elite if you buy a PAL RHD car.

[EvilBoris]

All done. Ordered in white, with no other options in the end.

Now I have to wait until July. :'(

Looks awesome, I love the new Renaults, they look so futuristic.

[Hohum]

Who cares when it's that much fun to drive it, I hear nobody complaining about rear visability when there is a new Lambo or McLaren for sale

Because it's a standard road car (albeit sporty version), so you'd expect some basic practicality at a minimum. I know I would want some decent rear visibility when reverse parking, otherwise it could be frustrating to use on a daily basis.

Those supercars you've mentioned are great fun when driving forwards no doubt, but a) they're not a fair comparison, and b) they're absolute pigs if you need to reverse them due to minimal/no rear visibility.

[TheForce]

I understand what you mean, but you're not getting my point, some people buy a car about what it's capable off and how much joy it will give to drive it, then things like rear visability are a small sacrefice to make and about one of the last things to worry about... in some cases and for some people FUN is more important than practicality.