right, one thing that i find annoying is the 3 buttons on the LEFT side of the gearstick for auto/ASR and the other one ... i mean why put them there?

well i though no more of it than a mere annoyance or "quirk" ... so why it is when looking though the photos, on this picture in nikos gr's photo gallery low and behold the buttons are on the SAME SIDE but its a left hand drive ... grr, so bacsically they swopped the steering wheel and 99% of the bits over to be on the right hand for us ... but didnt bother with these 3 buttons.

Lol - out of the three buttons - CITY / Auto / ASR - the only one I tend to fiddle with is ASR [depending on my driving mode ] BUT never really though 'oh crap, this is the wrong side'....

Yeah, but to be honest, I prefer them on the left, as I think they are easier to get too and see without looking directly down at them.

Also, the handbrake being on the other side suits me better too

rroope said:

Also, the handbrake being on the other side suits me better too

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Couldn't give a damn about the position of the ASR & City buttons as I almost never use them (just love ASR though).

The handbrake recess does annoy me though as it's obviously on the wrong side

.......and then there's the lack of foot rest we all complain about

I seem to have no problems with the handbrake - even with the arm-rest down MOST of the time.

Plus the footrest, or lack of, is ok because I don't have a clutch pedal anyway.

Buttons dont worry me either as i dont use them [Decks uses the wuss button] Err city button the thing that annoys me is the arm rest :bang: what is the point of it being there right on top of the hand brake when its down Doh Stu got there first with the arm rest bit LMAO

PNL said:

Buttons dont worry me either as i dont use them [Decks uses the wuss button] Err city button the thing that annoys me is the arm rest :bang: what is the point of it being there right on top of the hand brake when its down Doh Stu got there first with the arm rest bit LMAO

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I have used the arm rest when I'm feeling really relaxed on a long drive.

The trouble is I then start looking for the remote control so I can change channel

Argonought said:

I have used the arm rest when I'm feeling really relaxed on a long drive.

The trouble is I then start looking for the remote control so I can change channel

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Remote control you lazy sod let you fingers do the walking

I dont use the buttons so doenst bother me in the least

PNL said:

Remote control you lazy sod let you fingers do the walking

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Not sure I even know how to change channel on our TV without the remote

Well I agree with you, Morritt...

It must have something to do with the 'low' numbers of RHD cars produced.

Those three buttons are very obviously on the wrong side, as they are angled away from the driver, and you have to reach over/around the gearlever (joystick!) to operate them. I find it hard to see which is which, too.

I always use the CITY button - in fact it's just left in CITY all the time - I can't see what advantage not-CITY has. It doesn't make the steering any more precise if it's heavier - ratio is still the same. I remember driving a 2003 Punto on which 'CITY' was rather more exciting - I used to leave it on even when driving on the M4

Maybe we can turn this thread into a 'guide'?

I'll start by asking, why would you press the ASR button? According to the handbook, it makes takeoffs more 'brilliant', but what exactly does this mean?

And, I think we know why you wouldn't press the AUTO button - it makes it feel like a learner-driver is driving (blindfolded).

-Alex

alexGS said:

I always use the CITY button - in fact it's just left in CITY all the time - I can't see what advantage not-CITY has.

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What's wrong with a bit of free exercise

I tend to disagree about 'feel' Non CITY use is far safer in my experience. During the winter had a minor problem turning on ice - could have been worse with CITY active

Funnily enough, since I broke my hand, I now have CITY on all the time - doesn't affect anything at higher speeds, and feels better at parking speeds.

As for the ASR, I turn this off occassionally, if the roads are dry and I want a bit more fun.

CITY mode is automatically decativated after 40mph for safety

What I find most annoying is the bloody cigarette lighter, with armrest down you've got no chance, especially in the dark :devil: Perhaps it was placed for the anti smoking brigade The worst part is that you can only use phone chargers etc. with it up (the armrest - behave!) :bang:

I used to be able to use my nokia phone charger with the arm-rest down :chin:

wing1200a said:

with it up (the armrest - behave!) :bang:

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The thought never entered my mind as I am a clean living boy

wing1200a said:

What I find most annoying is the bloody cigarette lighter, with armrest down you've got no chance, especially in the dark :devil: Perhaps it was placed for the anti smoking brigade The worst part is that you can only use phone chargers etc. with it up (the armrest - behave!) :bang:

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I've fitted a double adapter in mine low down on the right side of the centre consul. Pretty much permanently wired for my PDA/GPS giving me a free socket for something else if need be.

my cig lighter keeps popping the fuse (cant find a fault) and i dont smooke so it doesnt get used, never really thought about the buttons and the handbrake, but on reflection the handbrake looks daft

Big Black Stilo said:

my cig lighter keeps popping the fuse (cant find a fault) and i dont smooke so it doesnt get used, never really thought about the buttons and the handbrake, but on reflection the handbrake looks daft

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It makes some sense to have it central I suppose (for people in the back) but I think I'd also prefer it in the front.