Roadsterstu
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Not driven, but looked over in detailWhilst waiting for the Verso to have a service at Lister's in Nuneaton this morning I had plenty of time to pore over the cars in the showroom. Now, Toyota of course are far from the most exciting machines, as we all know, but I have to say that the 2 most recent models appear really rather nice. Well, one rather nice, one rather OK.
iQ: I like it! The quality is what really stood out for me. It appears very much a premium product and the prices reflect that. Distinctive looks both inside and out and very compact dimensions. The interior design is, quite simply, spot on. The model in the showroom didn't have the bulbous satnav pod atop the dash and looked all the better for it not being there. A nice mix of quality plastics, various textures and shades. The little steering wheel, leather of course, feels great to hold - small, thick-rimmed and chunky. Although a short car, headroom and shoulder room are not bad. From the driver's seat, it feels like a car from the class above, until you look over your shoulder and realise that you could all but touch the back window if you reached backwards. Outside I was quite surprised to see it had rear disc brakes and by all accounts it is a car which rides and handles like something bigger. An older couple walked in and I heard them mutter, "ooh, I don't like that, it looks odd". Good!
The other brand new model in the showroom was the new Avensis estate, in full on luxury spec. Full leather, power seats, electric everything, satnav, etc. Rather staid and conservative inside, much like the avensis always has been but it was inoofensive and again the quality seems outstanding. As seems typical with this class of car, the size has increased again - the boot was huge, with some neat, sliding luggage tie-down hooks on rails, and underfloor storage. Outside the looks are pleasing and pretty much on par with the rest of the class. It was riding on 18 inch wheels which looked huge. Being a Toyota, it should never let you down and will not fall apart, but absolutely nothing to get excited about. I'm sure Colin will have one as a hire car in the not too distant future and will write a typically detailed report.
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Humphrey The Pug
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I loved the i-Q when I had a look around one a couple of weeks back, the styling the quality everything was bang on, the only thing that I wasn't keen on were the rear headrests they are of the type that are always there unlike Renault ones, for example, which can be pushed down out of the line of sight.
I agree with your take on the Avensis too, extremely conservative bordering on boring but the interior quality was brilliant.
I also had a poke about in a Prius, the first time that I have actually had a proper look at one and I was impressed with the style and quality of the interior of that too.
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"him"
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| Humphrey The Pug wrote: | | ...I also had a poke about in a Prius, the first time that I have actually had a proper look at one and I was impressed with the style and quality of the interior of that too. |
Get out! 
Go on...
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+1. I thought better of you Humph...you disgust me.
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Humphrey The Pug
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I only said that I liked the look and quality of the interior, I didn't actually say that I liked the car.
Hail Mary's?!
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Humphrey The Pug
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My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
My name is Humphrey and I must not praise any part of a Prius again!
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Some people would have had that tatooed on your forehead seeing as its your first crime.
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kraftwerk
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I actually think the Prius is not a bad-looking car, of its type.
(Ducks)
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Frank Bullitt
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| kraftwerk wrote: | I actually think the Prius is not a bad-looking car, of its type.
(Ducks) |
What, shitty little Hybrid crap-wagon? Not bad in that respect then...
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BeN
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I hope the iQ makes it here. Certainly the ideal car for a city like Singapore.
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Dr. Hfuhruhurr
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| kraftwerk wrote: | I actually think the Prius is not a bad-looking car, of its type.
(Ducks) |
The new one certainly looks a lot better.
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Matt
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The new Honda Insight looks a bit better than either Prius.
At least none of them look like the awkward original Prius.
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Roadsterstu
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I had the chance to poke around a Pious too - seeing as you've admitted you quite liked it, I will say the same. Well, not liked as such. Was mildly interested, as it is something different. I can see the appeal to the Americans. The telling thing was that the estimated fuel costs were double that of the iQ over a 12 month period (on these "energy efficiency" stickers that are now on everything from a lightbulb to a house). Who needs batteries?
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simonp
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| Humphrey The Pug wrote: | | ...the only thing that I wasn't keen on were the rear headrests... |
The iQ has rear headrests?
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Humphrey The Pug
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| Roadsterstu wrote: | | I had the chance to poke around a Pious too - seeing as you've admitted you quite liked it, I will say the same. Well, not liked as such. Was mildly interested, as it is something different. I can see the appeal to the Americans. The telling thing was that the estimated fuel costs were double that of the iQ over a 12 month period (on these "energy efficiency" stickers that are now on everything from a lightbulb to a house). Who needs batteries? |
I do actually like the concept of the Prius and the fact that Honda have had the balls to go ahead and produce it, reliably too.
Yes it comes across, or at least the owners do, of being pompous and we are saving the world etc etc and in reality the fuel economy is nowhere near it's claimed figures and a well driven diesel can better it's real figure and get close to the claimed figures, but the concept and idea of the Prius is a good one.
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DaveGibson
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| Humphrey The Pug wrote: | | ........ I do actually like the concept of the Prius and the fact that Honda have had the balls to go ahead and produce it, reliably too. .......... |
Write out 100 times:
"Prius - Toyota; Insight - Honda."
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Humphrey The Pug
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| DaveGibson wrote: | | Humphrey The Pug wrote: | | ........ I do actually like the concept of the Prius and the fact that Honda have had the balls to go ahead and produce it, reliably too. .......... |
Write out 100 times:
"Prius - Toyota; Insight - Honda." |
derrrrrrrrrrr 
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