Kiwi, a snazzy competitor to Scanguage II

Carl242 · 07-10-2008, 02:21 PM

Just read an interested CNET article here: Got a lead foot? Try 'Kiwi' device to save gas | Car Tech: An automotive blog from CNET - CNET Reviews about a new device called the KIWI. It looks like its basically a Scanguage II but with a snazzy LCD screen that displays a lot of info in a colourful and attractive way. It also calculates dollars saved and has things like custom animations that very dependant on how efficently you are driving. Interesting. Scanguage might have to upgrade their display to compete . . .although the Kiwi is almost twice the price.

ShaneXman · 07-10-2008, 02:42 PM

IF the Kiwi wasn't so expensive, I may have sold my ScanGauge to give it a try. I will wait and see what kinds of deal pop up later on. LOL

jefferios · 07-10-2008, 02:54 PM

I'll think about buying something like this for around $50. Until then I don't see the purpose in a product like this for a long term use.

**JPaul** · 07-10-2008, 02:54 PM

IMHO, it looks too "bling".
Any instrument should be readable with just a look, like an analog clock, without print or text... Otherwise, it's a distraction, as if we didn't have enough already while at the wheel.

Smart Enuf · 07-11-2008, 06:14 PM

I'm distracted enough trying to find my missing 1.3 gallon reserve. I think I'll look next at that thing under the seat misleadingly labeled the "subwoofer." It looks like it could contain some gas.

smarticus · 07-11-2008, 11:12 PM

"It looks like it could contain some gas"
Only after eating at Taco Bell.

rwjrn · 07-12-2008, 12:15 AM

I've stopped checking my mileage. Other than making note that I"m getting about the usual total miles out of a tank. It just takes the fun out driving to be constantly worried about how many pennies I'm saving or how many I'm losing while accelerating to get up to highway speeds. I'll just stick to being happy I'm filling up at half price compared to what I used to.

Bum-bling-B · 07-12-2008, 07:03 AM

I like it. ALMOST considering ordering one BUT I wonder how it would hold up to the heat in my car. I've just about all but fried my SGII in the last couple years I've had it in various cars. It is pricey but it seems to do leaps and bounds more than a SGII and I'm a huge supporter of them.

The SGII matches the interior of the Smart a little better too.

jonnysan · 07-12-2008, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwjrn

I've stopped checking my mileage. Other than making note that I"m getting about the usual total miles out of a tank. It just takes the fun out driving to be constantly worried about how many pennies I'm saving or how many I'm losing while accelerating to get up to highway speeds. I'll just stick to being happy I'm filling up at half price compared to what I used to.

With 5000 miles and a pretty good breakin, it is a pretty sure bet that the mileages will be consistent if not get even alittle better so why check it analy every fillup? I am getting 2.5X better mileage than with the car my smartie replaced so in my book that's surely good enough for me. I average 38 to the mid/high 40's and right now you can't do much better than that unless you spring for a hybrid at twice the bucks.
Yah...gas mileage checks at every fillup is a bit much, IMHO.

John

NCC1701 · 07-30-2008, 08:36 PM

Disappointed that they put a USB port on the Kiwi, and apparently its sole purpose is to upload animations for the 'how you're doing' display. I saw nothing in the owner's manual online indicating the device can be queried by a personal computer. Having included a USB port, this ability seems like a natural, one they neglected apparently. Kiwi is purdy though.