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Share thoughts on centre console layout

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by XMAN LIVE, May 21, 2009.

  1. XMAN LIVE

    XMAN LIVE "Just have Fun!"

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    I would like to get feedback from people that have been driving the 2010 Prius on if the center console layout is an issue with your right leg. With console going to dash, it seems this could be an issue with sharp or un-padded console as your leg could be resting on it. I still have not had a chance to even sit in one. Went to Houston Auto show to see it and only found a picture of it:(.
     
  2. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

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    I havent' driven a 2010, but just from the pictures that I've seen online, I don't like the 2010 console layout. Just my personal preference, but I don't like to feel that I'm sitting in a fighter jet "cockpit".

    For me, the G2 console layout is just about perfect. I don't need the shift lever to be on the console, as it already is within fingers reach on the G2 dash. I almost don't have to take my right hand off the steering wheel to switch to "brake" or "drive".

    I think that the G3 arrangement is meant to appeal to those that insist on a more traditional "sports car" arrangement. But no matter the size of the interior, full length center consoles always give me the feeling that a car is "smaller" inside than it actually is. Sort of like packing too much furniture into a room, and not leaving enough open space.

    Just my 2 cents.
     
  3. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    I'll differ with you only on one point -- I've sat in several of the 2010s. I think the center console is the one interior change I really don't care for. It hasn't kept me from ordering a 2010, but I'd be a bit happier about it without that console. And I've really liked consoles in past cars!

    Yes, the G2 layout is very nice. It is open and clean, and the gear lever doesn't get in the way. You need to use it so infrequently that it should not be in a space that could be better utilized. Really, I'd rather have a cup holder there and put the gear lever back on the dashboard.

    This is the only explanation that has made sense to me. I think Toyota felt it had to go for a broader appeal and grab people who are more accustomed to "normal cars." The gear knob on the dashboard was enough to send some people screaming from the showroom, apparently.

    The best thing about the console? The edges on the lower storage area. This will keep things from rolling around!

    The worst thing (aside from the looks)? The seat warmer buttons are set way down low. They were on the pre-production models, at least. I don't know if it has changed, but I doubt they were going to alter that part.
     
  4. Steve Cebu

    Steve Cebu New Member

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    I'd still like to see the original question answered about the width for extra room for the right leg. My 2008 Civic Si was miserable in this regard and the reason I would not buy another one.
    If I could sit in and or drive this car it would help a lot but since that's not possible. We have to rely on those who already own the car.
     
  5. Jabber

    Jabber Chicagoland Prius Guy

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    Still way down under the top console. I actually made a negative comment yesterday when my first one came in.
     
  6. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Jeff,

    Thanks for the info, though I'd hoped things would have changed. The next question (perhaps a more important one): Is there an auto turn-off? I don't want to try to reach down under that console when I get a hot seat while driving!
     
  7. Jabber

    Jabber Chicagoland Prius Guy

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    Good question. On most heated seats, there is. However, these look like the Rav4 buttons, which do not auto shutoff.
     
  8. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Ouch!! I've already got the burn going. (Yes, in more ways than one.)
     
  9. yardman 49

    yardman 49 Active Member

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    Aren't the 12v outlets also under the console?
     
  10. Jabber

    Jabber Chicagoland Prius Guy

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    There is one outlet down there.
     
  11. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    Heated seats shut off after 15 min.
     
  12. XMAN LIVE

    XMAN LIVE "Just have Fun!"

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    I don't remember where I read it or got the information but there is an auto off for the seat warmer. I am not sure on timing for auto shut off, but thinking under 10 minutes. It may be 7 minutes.

    By the way any thoughts on not having space for the right leg. :cool:
     
  13. XMAN LIVE

    XMAN LIVE "Just have Fun!"

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    Your feedback was faster than mine, was to the point. Good Job!
     
  14. Jabber

    Jabber Chicagoland Prius Guy

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    I just checked the owner's manual. No mention of an auto shut off. HTML, do you have confirmation of some sort?
     
  15. accordingly

    accordingly Member

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    I guess I'll give the other side...I think the new interior looks much better with the center console. The previous generation looked a bit cheap as it was so sparse. Too minivan like.

    Never understood the obsession with having 20 cup holders either. And I don't know how you guys drive with your knees (and probably elbows) sticking out like that- move the seat back!
     
  16. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    OK. You got a chuckle out of me with that one.

    I don't know who first introduced the cupholder in a car, but I do recall Detroit thinking that if Honda could put in 2, we could put in 8 -- and that would make the car BETTER!

    I suppose I really only NEED one (or one at a time, at least), but I'd rather have one or two more than have something in the way. Cupholders are great for holding things -- a paper, a napkin, a pencil -- so they aren't tossed around the car. It makes for an easy cleanup, too.
     
  17. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    You're correct, I was confusing that with the defrost timer. The heated seats don't appear to have a shut-off timer. They do, however, have a built-in thermostat. No temperature is specified. Sorry for the mis-information.
     
  18. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Thanks, Rick. You gave me the first real opportunity to de-thank someone!:rolleyes:

    I appreciate the correction, but I'm not happy with the real news. The heated seats will use up so much electricity anyway, but I thought it only reasonable that there would be a shut-off -- either based on temperature or time.

    Is there just one setting, also, or is there an option for Hi or Lo?
     
  19. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    ummm no timer on heated seats. my SO (who will probably use them year round) had them on for at least 45 minutes last night and if they would have shut down, i am sure i would have heard about it. as far as settings? there are two...on and off.

    as far as the console, it is somewhat a pain, but no leg room issues here but i am a short guy. but i will say that that shelf underneath is already pretty full so maybe it is not as inconvenient as i think it is

    on the storage issue; the center console is smaller (one of the cup holders is in there, but the glove boxes are bigger and the center console is much much larger than the tiny storage we had since it was nothing but a tiny cubby. now, not having the "hidden" drawer under neath is a bit of a pain because that is where i kept my insurance, title,and other stuff that i did not want to be easily found (hoping a thief would not be aware of its presence)... but then again, the Pri has such a tough rep for stealing, never had an incident
     
  20. Jabber

    Jabber Chicagoland Prius Guy

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    No problem. My guess as to temp would be in the high 90's, very low 100's by the time it gets through the padding and fabric/leather.
    Nothing official, just a guestimite..

    One setting. On or Off. It is a mechanical button. In other words, press it in, the button stays in and it heats the seats. Press it again and it releases the button and turns them off. That is why I thought there was no timer. Another example of the mechanical button would be the SKS on/off button on G2 cars.