Minor Car Dilemma

[xcel]

Hi Tim:

I keep thinking back to that CX-5. The Prius-II's ergo is a nightmare and Toyota did not cure it with the 3rd gens telescopic wheel either. While the v's price tag makes it unaffordable to most looking to the Prius lineup, the CX-5 with a stick was something like $20,700 USD retail. Great ergo (better than the v in fact), the best handling CUV I have ever drive and out on the Interstate, that SKYACTIV-G will allow 40 mpg at higher speeds too! Because of the wife, I assume you will be looking at the AT and that will knock it back to what the rest of its competitors are offering today.

CleanMPG Reviews the 2013 Mazda CX-5

Wayne

[brick]

The CX-5 does look like a nice vehicle. I have to agree on the 3G Prius, too. It is definitely better but I almost felt like they made the wheel telescope in rather than out, and only by an unsatisfying inch or so. Toyota seems to have listened but not heard on that one. We peered through the windows of a v last week but I haven't sat in one yet. Not much point when I won't shell out that much money for a car. We will see how the rest of our summer travels go with the new cargo rack and then decide whether to keep looking.

[msirach]

The adjustable seat base on our Gen III was much more of a help to ergonomics than the telescoping wheel. Coupled with the lumbar support, it is much more comfortable for me. The telescoping wheel is an advantage for my wife though.

[brick]

I really need both due to my proportions. With the seat far enough back for my legs to be comfortable in my 2G...which isn't possible, but it's within an inch or two...I have to sit bolt upright in order for my arms and shoulders to be comfortable. If I actually had enough seat travel then I'd be leaning forward, which I catch myself doing as it is. That's why I need serious travel on the telescopic steering wheel. Or I need arm transplants from a spider monkey, which probably isn't cost effective.

While we are on the topic of things that aren't cost effective, is the CT200h any better than the 3G Prius liftback? I keep reading that "the cabin feels tight" but I don't know what that means for tall-driver-sans-monkey-arms ergonomics.

[CRT1]

Originally Posted by brick

Or I need arm transplants from a spider monkey, which probably isn't cost effective.

Ha ha, that was pretty funny. . .