From Carnut:
“There is no seat height adjustment for this year. I predict that it will come later on. They were concentrating on the tall drivers but neglected the short ones like myself.”
In going through my UK threads I note a lot of complaints concerning the seat/steering wheel/dash configuration on the new 451s (for which some hold “Americans” responsible). The complaints are centered on insufficient leg clearance under the wheel and dash for taller people. It doesn't seem to be solely a seat height issue. Yesterday I asked if this is a problem with all 451s, RHD and LHD, but so far no response. It might be a RHD-only problem if not everything in a UK 451 is mirrored-imaged, perhaps something under or behind the seat forcing a different mounting. Hope to get some info back, but in the meantime I don’t recall any such problems being reported with the Euro (Continental) LHD 451s brought in for the road tours.
From Carnut:
“There is no seat height adjustment for this year. I predict that it will come later on. They were concentrating on the tall drivers but neglected the short ones like myself.”
In going through my UK threads I note a lot of complaints concerning the seat/steering wheel/dash configuration on the new 451s (for which some hold “Americans” responsible). The complaints are centered on insufficient leg clearance under the wheel and dash for taller people. It doesn't seem to be solely a seat height issue. Yesterday I asked if this is a problem with all 451s, RHD and LHD, but so far no response. It might be a RHD-only problem if not everything in a UK 451 is mirrored-imaged, perhaps something under or behind the seat forcing a different mounting. Hope to get some info back, but in the meantime I don’t recall any such problems being reported with the Euro (Continental) LHD 451s brought in for the road tours.
I have long legs and don't remember any steering wheel clearance issues during the test drive.
Second that Fish- The driving position was- for me- super comfortable- something I believe is very important to the long term satisfaction with a car and something that definately influenced my decision to buy the 4-2.
How about for us 'shorties' like me, I'm 5'7" OK so not that short?
In general, how comfortable are the seats in terms of lumbar/lower back support as well as lateral support while cornering? Any feedback would be appreciated! Good seats are must-haves for me.
I really dont remember the driving experience enough to think if it was right for me. I do remember that the steering wheel was static in that it didnt even tilt let alone telesecope, My old Volvo does that and I am spoiled by the fact that I can drive with my seat back and down and still be able to reach the steering wheel. Now I know that wont be a problem with this car, but I dont like steering wheels at a high angle, makes me feel like I am driving a bus, and I hope/wish that it will be at just the right angle.
To date only one come-back on the inquiry I posted in the UK - this from a tall person who has three years experience with a 450 and just got a 451:
"Anyways I do 50 mile round trip commute everyday and have had no issue with space around my knees and safety breaking, beleive me commuting round London you need to break quickly a lot for all the selfish b d drivers who seem to find chopping up smarts a fun past time.
The one thing I have noticed is the sun blind which is a bit near to my head when pulled over but I do prefer to have panaromic roof uncovered all the time anyways. The one big positive is the seating which is far more comfartable than the previous for two and makes a 1-2 hour trip a dream..." (sics)
Nothing back on RHD vs LHD, but I get the feeling that the UK 451s may come pre-fitted with spacer blocks that could be removed.
How about for us 'shorties' like me, I'm 5'7" OK so not that short?
The lady journalist who wrote the Search Chicago article is, I gather from her story, extremely vertically challenged. She stated that both her and a 6'7" fellow journalist were very comfortable behind the wheel:
Well, I come in at a whopping 5'3" and I had no comfort or visibility issues when I took my test drive. But I say I'm 5'4" so keep this info to yourselves
How about for us 'shorties' like me, I'm 5'7" OK so not that short?
In general, how comfortable are the seats in terms of lumbar/lower back support as well as lateral support while cornering? Any feedback would be appreciated! Good seats are must-haves for me.
My wife is 5'-7". No complaints from her except for the transmission and top-heavy handling.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Today
Linear Mode
