Toronto test drive impressions

[Heero]

Alright, I’ll avoid posting any pics with people in them to be safe. If anyone from the test drive wants a specific pic let me know and I’ll provide a link!

First off, Big thanks to Kenny & Scion for setting this up & providing us with the goodies + Test Drive. I recommend anyone who is still looking to order stop Ken Shaw Toyota, Lex & Scion.



Here is Tom, our initial contact @ KS.



The Car looked stellar in W. The stickers were a bit over the top, but meh.





The Dash is nice. I like the fact that they incorporated the speedometer into the tachometer.



Heres the Key if anyone’s interested:



The upgraded head unit is a must IMO. Looks pretty good. It gives the interior a very nice finish and compliments the stitching.



Space in the back was tight for sure. I found however that once you wear seated however the ride was very comfortable. The back seats hug you almost like car seats for babies do.



Here is how much room there is in the back with the front passenger seat pushed all the way up:



Cup holder can be placed in 2 different positions.









The trunk (with seats down) is quite large for a car of this size.





Windows on both sides are auto.



The "handles"/ "levers" or we they are called, are pretty standard Toyota. They look and feel like the ones on my Matrix. Should last.



The only negative to the interior are the controls for the heating and AC. They remind me of the wheels on a cheap Tonka truck. They feel alright and don't look too horrible, so I won't complain. I will however say that the controls were the first thing that drew my eyes though...



Didn't drive the car, but from playing around with the pedals they seemed good. My only complaint was that it was very... vertical. I like to keep my feet angled rather than almost 90 degrees, so it felt weird.



Side cup holders were big



There is soft touch plastic where you would rest your arm during drives.

[Sport-Tech]

^Thanks for the images, and I like that photo site, they don't make you jump through 5 different clicks to get to the full uncompressed image. Have to check them out.

Can't say I noticed anything that unusual or awkward about the pedal placement when driving, I will have to pay attention to that on my next test drive.

At first I thought the digital speedo was redundant, but when driving, the analog speedo is hard to read quickly--too many gradations on the face, the dial is small, the usable range limited to the bottom left area, and the gauge is off to one side--so the digital version is a big plus.

[Heero]

Originally Posted by Scion FR-S

^Thanks for the images, and I like that photo site, they don't make you jump through 5 different clicks to get to the full uncompressed image. Have to check them out.

Can't say I noticed anything that unusual or awkward about the pedal placement when driving, I will have to pay attention to that on my next test drive.

At first I thought the digital speedo was redundant, but when driving, the analog speedo is hard to read quickly--too many gradations on the face, the dial is small, the usable range limited to the bottom left area, and the gauge is off to one side--so the digital version is a big plus.

No worries. Interesting to note that the analog speedo is pretty useless. I figured as much considering the fact that the decided to keep it to the left rather then in the middle.

BTW... looking at this pic makes you realize just how much better the upgraded unit makes the car: http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...e/IMG_3847.jpg

[Alfie]

Glad to see we get red stitching... rear mud flaps- COOL!

[Blue FRS]

Thanks for all the great info and pics. Cant wait for my turn next weekend.

[Rinker]

You said there's somewhat of a visibility issue? Would you compare it to as bad as the new Camaros?

[csaba]

Who would sit in the back anyway....

[csaba]

I sat in the car I'm 5 10. I think the hood was pretty low compare to my TC .
I had no problem with it

[Khyron686]

Originally Posted by Rinker

You said there's somewhat of a visibility issue? Would you compare it to as bad as the new Camaros?

Dude, NOTHING is as bad as a Camaro. A submarine has better visibility.

If you set your mirrors properly (pointing OUT not at the back of the car) there are virtually no blind spots. But if you are used to shoulder checking beyond 90 degrees to your left/right then yes there's no visibility. The pillar/down slope of the c pillar is huge.

http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/tech/mirrors/

You should only see the side of your car if you smush your face against the glass on the drivers side, and if you lean over and move your head dead center between the driver/pass seat for the pass mirror. It will take you an hour to get used to it.

[Sport-Tech]

^ Totally agree on the Camaro. The FR-S is a true greenhouse by comparison. Coming from an older car with greater visibility though the dropoff is noticeable.

[tripjammer]

This is a sports car. Just adjust your mirrors and you will be fine. Visibility should be better than in a 370z.

[veewonwon]

Originally Posted by tripjammer

This is a sports car. Just adjust your mirrors and you will be fine. Visibility should be better than in a 370z.

Yes, the visibility of FR-S is very good indeed, better than or equal to any RWD sports coupe that I've driven, old and late models. The 370z and G37s (my current DD) are no match in this regard.

[veewonwon]

Originally Posted by Khyron686

If you set your mirrors properly (pointing OUT not at the back of the car) there are virtually no blind spots. But if you are used to shoulder checking beyond 90 degrees to your left/right then yes there's no visibility. The pillar/down slope of the c pillar is huge.

http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/tech/mirrors/

You should only see the side of your car if you smush your face against the glass on the drivers side, and if you lean over and move your head dead center between the driver/pass seat for the pass mirror. It will take you an hour to get used to it.

This is great info for those who still haven't adjust/use the side mirrors effectively.

[Dr.Science]

Originally Posted by Heero

Interesting to note that the analog speedo is pretty useless. I figured as much considering the fact that the decided to keep it to the left rather then in the middle.

I don't know about other cars, but that's typical of high performance Subaru's. My old WRX had the tach in the center, and so do STI's. The digital speedo is a nice addition, though.