Struggling with configuration, welcome any suggestions
Discussion
Hello.
Short introduction: Kai from Germany, Lotus Elise S1 owner for 24 years. With an age of 55 now it is about time for me to get a more decent, grown up car for weekend fun. As I still prefer rarity and lightweight the Alpine got me, though 400 kg heavier than my S1, but I really like the concept behind it. Searching for A110 forums I ended up here, already got some decent tips.
Initially I intended to buy a thunder grey GT with brown leather seats, looks fantastic and posh. However, while test driving one I noticed the comfort seats are too wide for my skinny butt and I am sliding around on the smooth leather surface, so bucket seats needed. I don't want to get the S as it is even more expensive as the GT and seems to have a rather harsh ride for my intended use (mainly curvy B and C roads). So I ended up with configurating a standard. 252 hp will be enough for me, I doubt I gonna need the extra HP and torque from the GT or S.
Long story short, I am struggeling with the following options and couldn't find an answer so far:
1) Electrochrome vs. standard rearview mirror: looks very nice with its frameless design, but it seems to be much bigger than the standard, though I haven't seen that one in real life. I doubt it is really necessary, as getting blinded from a rear car should already be eliminated by the letterbox rear view. Price wise it is not a big thing with a difference of 200 EUR only, so I might go for it.
2) Rear parking sensors only vs. front +rear parking sensors +rear camera. Strangewise it is no more possible to buy front parking sensors without the rear camera!?! As the rearward view is quite restricted a camera might be usefull, but being honest, when I sometimes drive a car with one I never look at it, mainly using the side mirrors. Don't know how that's gonna be with the A110. Are front sensors really needed when parking in front first? The forward overview is quite good, but how difficult is it to estimate the front end? Ist it possible to lower the side mirrors enough to see the distance from the rear rim to the curb when parking in backwards? Me muppet totally forget to check that during my test drive. Price wise it makes a huge difference with 450 vs. 1285 EUR.
Welcome any suggestions.
Cheers
Kai
Short introduction: Kai from Germany, Lotus Elise S1 owner for 24 years. With an age of 55 now it is about time for me to get a more decent, grown up car for weekend fun. As I still prefer rarity and lightweight the Alpine got me, though 400 kg heavier than my S1, but I really like the concept behind it. Searching for A110 forums I ended up here, already got some decent tips.
Initially I intended to buy a thunder grey GT with brown leather seats, looks fantastic and posh. However, while test driving one I noticed the comfort seats are too wide for my skinny butt and I am sliding around on the smooth leather surface, so bucket seats needed. I don't want to get the S as it is even more expensive as the GT and seems to have a rather harsh ride for my intended use (mainly curvy B and C roads). So I ended up with configurating a standard. 252 hp will be enough for me, I doubt I gonna need the extra HP and torque from the GT or S.
Long story short, I am struggeling with the following options and couldn't find an answer so far:
1) Electrochrome vs. standard rearview mirror: looks very nice with its frameless design, but it seems to be much bigger than the standard, though I haven't seen that one in real life. I doubt it is really necessary, as getting blinded from a rear car should already be eliminated by the letterbox rear view. Price wise it is not a big thing with a difference of 200 EUR only, so I might go for it.
2) Rear parking sensors only vs. front +rear parking sensors +rear camera. Strangewise it is no more possible to buy front parking sensors without the rear camera!?! As the rearward view is quite restricted a camera might be usefull, but being honest, when I sometimes drive a car with one I never look at it, mainly using the side mirrors. Don't know how that's gonna be with the A110. Are front sensors really needed when parking in front first? The forward overview is quite good, but how difficult is it to estimate the front end? Ist it possible to lower the side mirrors enough to see the distance from the rear rim to the curb when parking in backwards? Me muppet totally forget to check that during my test drive. Price wise it makes a huge difference with 450 vs. 1285 EUR.
Welcome any suggestions.
Cheers
Kai
Edited by k_m on Saturday 10th February 11:18
Edited by k_m on Saturday 10th February 11:20
Welcome,
The electrochrome mirror is bigger but to me feels like it gives a better view out the rear. I'm not sure how well it protects from being blinded but so far the only time I was blinded was by the low Winter sun reflecting off the infotainment screen. I think being so low would put us in the shine of many SUV headlights so it's a good idea. I don't find the mirror restricts the view out of the windscreen but have seen someone else complain about it.
The rear parking sensors are very good and allow you to park up very close to whatever object they detect, the visual feedback from the diagram on the dash is also very good at distinguishing the side from the central sensors. I was worried I would need the camera but the sensors are great. The visibility of the front will depend on how tall you are/what height you have your buckets set on. If you're good at unaided parking, it's generally a small car and the front isn't an issue.
I don't believe the mirrors tilt enough to allow you to see curbs, which is where having a camera will be better. I rarely parallel park next to curbs or inbetween other cars, so being extra cautious once in a blue moon is something I can live with.
I have the reverse issue with the seats, I'm very tall with wide hips, so needed the slightly wider GT seats with the tilt. I do wish the seats had a similar microsuede design as the shoulders are a bit less grippy.
Keep us updated with what you go for and share some pics when you take delivery.
The electrochrome mirror is bigger but to me feels like it gives a better view out the rear. I'm not sure how well it protects from being blinded but so far the only time I was blinded was by the low Winter sun reflecting off the infotainment screen. I think being so low would put us in the shine of many SUV headlights so it's a good idea. I don't find the mirror restricts the view out of the windscreen but have seen someone else complain about it.
The rear parking sensors are very good and allow you to park up very close to whatever object they detect, the visual feedback from the diagram on the dash is also very good at distinguishing the side from the central sensors. I was worried I would need the camera but the sensors are great. The visibility of the front will depend on how tall you are/what height you have your buckets set on. If you're good at unaided parking, it's generally a small car and the front isn't an issue.
I don't believe the mirrors tilt enough to allow you to see curbs, which is where having a camera will be better. I rarely parallel park next to curbs or inbetween other cars, so being extra cautious once in a blue moon is something I can live with.
I have the reverse issue with the seats, I'm very tall with wide hips, so needed the slightly wider GT seats with the tilt. I do wish the seats had a similar microsuede design as the shoulders are a bit less grippy.
Keep us updated with what you go for and share some pics when you take delivery.
The manually dipping mirror is OK, but when you dip it, it doesn't point the same way as when undipped. Which is annoying.
You can lower the door mirrors enough to see the kerb when parking. That hasn't stopped me grazing the alloys a few times though: the low-profile tyres give no protection against kerbing. Fortunately I took out alloy wheel insurance...and have used it.
A reversing camera is very much a matter of preference: I hated the one in my C Class estate and didn't use it, but the one in the Alpine is a godsend. I wouldn't be without it.
You can lower the door mirrors enough to see the kerb when parking. That hasn't stopped me grazing the alloys a few times though: the low-profile tyres give no protection against kerbing. Fortunately I took out alloy wheel insurance...and have used it.
A reversing camera is very much a matter of preference: I hated the one in my C Class estate and didn't use it, but the one in the Alpine is a godsend. I wouldn't be without it.
In the UK the auto dipping mirror comes with folding door mirrors. Whether the folding mirrors are desirable does depend on where you park. Even though I don't often park where they might be particularly vulnerable, I do find the confirmation that I have locked the car is reassuring. I do often park in crowded car parks so I find the rear view camera very useful (I went to the trouble of fitting an aftermarket one) - but I don't really miss front parking sensors.
Thanks for the replys.
With my Elise I am strictly avoiding to park in a row or parallel to curbs. The side mirrors ar not adjustable from the cabin, so high risk of rim damage and the front of the car is so low, it is invisible in the rear view mirror of a normal car, so high risk of someone bumping into it. That leads often in cruising around for quite a while to find the right parking spot, what can be quite annoying. Hope to avoid that in the future with the Alpines better practicability.
Regarding the folding mirrors, strangewise these are standard equipment nowadays, but parking sensors are not.
With my Elise I am strictly avoiding to park in a row or parallel to curbs. The side mirrors ar not adjustable from the cabin, so high risk of rim damage and the front of the car is so low, it is invisible in the rear view mirror of a normal car, so high risk of someone bumping into it. That leads often in cruising around for quite a while to find the right parking spot, what can be quite annoying. Hope to avoid that in the future with the Alpines better practicability.
Regarding the folding mirrors, strangewise these are standard equipment nowadays, but parking sensors are not.
Edited by k_m on Saturday 10th February 14:04
Edited by k_m on Saturday 10th February 14:05
Another point on favour for the auto dimming mirrors for me personally is, in the Alpine you sit lower than much of the SUV/Crossover traffic and so I find it much easier to be blinded by their headlights, so the dimming helps that for me.
As someone whose A110 does not have the reversing camera, I would also spec that if I could. I live on a street which requires a 100m reverse to exit so I do wish to check if my car has the wiring loom to allow for a retrofit
As someone whose A110 does not have the reversing camera, I would also spec that if I could. I live on a street which requires a 100m reverse to exit so I do wish to check if my car has the wiring loom to allow for a retrofit
k_m said:
Hello.
Short introduction: Kai from Germany, Lotus Elise S1 owner for 24 years. With an age of 55 now it is about time for me to get a more decent, grown up car for weekend fun. As I still prefer rarity and lightweight the Alpine got me, though 400 kg heavier than my S1, but I really like the concept behind it. Searching for A110 forums I ended up here, already got some decent tips.
Initially I intended to buy a thunder grey GT with brown leather seats, looks fantastic and posh. However, while test driving one I noticed the comfort seats are too wide for my skinny butt and I am sliding around on the smooth leather surface, so bucket seats needed. I don't want to get the S as it is even more expensive as the GT and seems to have a rather harsh ride for my intended use (mainly curvy B and C roads). So I ended up with configurating a standard. 252 hp will be enough for me, I doubt I gonna need the extra HP and torque from the GT or S.
Long story short, I am struggeling with the following options and couldn't find an answer so far:
1) Electrochrome vs. standard rearview mirror: looks very nice with its frameless design, but it seems to be much bigger than the standard, though I haven't seen that one in real life. I doubt it is really necessary, as getting blinded from a rear car should already be eliminated by the letterbox rear view. Price wise it is not a big thing with a difference of 200 EUR only, so I might go for it.
2) Rear parking sensors only vs. front +rear parking sensors +rear camera. Strangewise it is no more possible to buy front parking sensors without the rear camera!?! As the rearward view is quite restricted a camera might be usefull, but being honest, when I sometimes drive a car with one I never look at it, mainly using the side mirrors. Don't know how that's gonna be with the A110. Are front sensors really needed when parking in front first? The forward overview is quite good, but how difficult is it to estimate the front end? Ist it possible to lower the side mirrors enough to see the distance from the rear rim to the curb when parking in backwards? Me muppet totally forget to check that during my test drive. Price wise it makes a huge difference with 450 vs. 1285 EUR.
Welcome any suggestions.
Cheers
Kai
Welcome, I went through a similar process last year when spec'ing mine.Short introduction: Kai from Germany, Lotus Elise S1 owner for 24 years. With an age of 55 now it is about time for me to get a more decent, grown up car for weekend fun. As I still prefer rarity and lightweight the Alpine got me, though 400 kg heavier than my S1, but I really like the concept behind it. Searching for A110 forums I ended up here, already got some decent tips.
Initially I intended to buy a thunder grey GT with brown leather seats, looks fantastic and posh. However, while test driving one I noticed the comfort seats are too wide for my skinny butt and I am sliding around on the smooth leather surface, so bucket seats needed. I don't want to get the S as it is even more expensive as the GT and seems to have a rather harsh ride for my intended use (mainly curvy B and C roads). So I ended up with configurating a standard. 252 hp will be enough for me, I doubt I gonna need the extra HP and torque from the GT or S.
Long story short, I am struggeling with the following options and couldn't find an answer so far:
1) Electrochrome vs. standard rearview mirror: looks very nice with its frameless design, but it seems to be much bigger than the standard, though I haven't seen that one in real life. I doubt it is really necessary, as getting blinded from a rear car should already be eliminated by the letterbox rear view. Price wise it is not a big thing with a difference of 200 EUR only, so I might go for it.
2) Rear parking sensors only vs. front +rear parking sensors +rear camera. Strangewise it is no more possible to buy front parking sensors without the rear camera!?! As the rearward view is quite restricted a camera might be usefull, but being honest, when I sometimes drive a car with one I never look at it, mainly using the side mirrors. Don't know how that's gonna be with the A110. Are front sensors really needed when parking in front first? The forward overview is quite good, but how difficult is it to estimate the front end? Ist it possible to lower the side mirrors enough to see the distance from the rear rim to the curb when parking in backwards? Me muppet totally forget to check that during my test drive. Price wise it makes a huge difference with 450 vs. 1285 EUR.
Welcome any suggestions.
Cheers
Kai
I chose to go without the "mirror pack" (previously available option which contained folding mirrors and the auto-dimming interior mirror) and don't regret it in the slightest. The bigger interior mirror felt too wide in the car, I could see my own and my passenger's face a bit which was weird. It also blocks more of your view out the front, especially if you're tall. The smaller mirror can see out the back just fine, and can still be dimmed manually if necessary.
I like the rear view camera, but personally I've disabled the parking sensors as they seem a bit too sensitive, they used to constantly beep as I reversed down my driveway with bushes on one side. I think you'd do okay with only rear sensors though as that's the hardest place to see, the front is much easier to judge and the whole car is small and quite easy to park.
Certain options are most certainly not necessary or even gimmicky, so don't worry about leaving stuff out. Telemetrics comes to mind, it's poorly implemented and mostly just shows stuff you can get on the main dash display anyway. The only option I wouldn't want to be without is the sports exhaust, mostly because it comes with the sound tube.
Oh and if you want the "goldilocks" combination of 300PS engine with soft suspension and bucket seats that's what the San Remo edition is, in case you weren't aware. Although it would be more cost effective to buy a base model and remap it or buy a GT and change the seats. Personally I went for a GT, I liked the extra power too much and didn't mind the seats (preferred them in some ways).
I ordered a car for the UK last week having been given an original delivery estimate of May/June but on confirmation that got bumped to late July. I hope you have better luck! I imagine preparation and delivery for the UK adds time and maybe they only do right hand drive builds in batches.
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