2019 718 Price and specification

2019 718 Price and specification

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Discussion

bcr5784

7,108 posts

145 months

Wednesday 10th October 2018
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jimbo761 said:
Clio switch-gear that will depreciate like a stone ? No thanks.




Edited by jimbo761 on Wednesday 10th October 16:49
I take it you don't care that the Renault switches on the Alpine are better placed and feel better engineered than the Porsche ones. (I do have an unfair advantage over you of having lived with both). Let me give you a few examples:

1) Porsche handbrake only ideally placed if you have a 6 inch limb growing out of your right kneecap (perhaps you have - I haven't)
2) Porsche heater controls hidden behind gearlever/selector - try selecting full demist on a cold morning.
3) Many Porsche switches require you to take your eye far to far off the road - all the ones to the rear the gear lever (or in front of it) for example.
4) Indicator switch has a horrid springy action which would be out of place in a Dacia.
5) Mode control on the steering wheel which could have come out of a Kinder egg
6) Heath Robinson would have been proud of the Porsche keyless entry system.

I could go on. I know I'm not alone in thinking that the switches in the Cayman are amongst the worst ergonomically (and probably my pet hate over my 4 years of ownership) of any car I have owned recently.

Don't get me wrong the Cayman is STILL a terrific sports coupe - but please don't denigrate the opposition in areas where they are far better.

CitySlicker

301 posts

93 months

Wednesday 10th October 2018
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bcr5784 said:
Top Gear performance car of the year beating Ferrari McLaren etc etc. Porsche switchgear better? - you gotta be joking. The Alpine's switches may come from the Renault parts bin, but are far better placed and FEEL much better engineered. The steering column switches - particularly the indicators -made me cringe every time I used them on my Cayman.
I swear the indicator stalk is the same as my 2000 shaggin waggin vw Passat! Good memories

Blink982

761 posts

104 months

Wednesday 10th October 2018
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I agree re. the quality of the stalks in Porsche. They're nasty.

That said, Porsche and Alpine must be doing something right if that's all we have to worry about.

I'm sure they're both fantastic cars to drive. I've been mightily impressed with my base 718 since last year.

churchie2856

448 posts

190 months

Wednesday 10th October 2018
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jimbo761 said:
Looks like you have to go S now if you want a manual ?
Edited by jimbo761 on Wednesday 10th October 16:49
I'm not so sure. The online configurator does indeed show a manual option for the S, but it looks like the configurator is for the "old" 718 as far as the S is concerned e.g. it show more colours too than the re-released base, plus it has the caveat:

Important information regarding availability

This model is not currently available for configuration as a new factory order. Please continue to use the Car Configurator to explore the model. For more information regarding availability please contact your preferred Porsche Centre.

My guess is the S, when orderable again, will have the same reduced colours of the base, and will mirror the base interms of transmission availability; base is due to get manual in March ... apparently.




Ollie1977

105 posts

87 months

Sunday 14th October 2018
quotequote all
bcr5784 said:
I take it you don't care that the Renault switches on the Alpine are better placed and feel better engineered than the Porsche ones. (I do have an unfair advantage over you of having lived with both). Let me give you a few examples:

1) Porsche handbrake only ideally placed if you have a 6 inch limb growing out of your right kneecap (perhaps you have - I haven't)
2) Porsche heater controls hidden behind gearlever/selector - try selecting full demist on a cold morning.
3) Many Porsche switches require you to take your eye far to far off the road - all the ones to the rear the gear lever (or in front of it) for example.
4) Indicator switch has a horrid springy action which would be out of place in a Dacia.
5) Mode control on the steering wheel which could have come out of a Kinder egg
6) Heath Robinson would have been proud of the Porsche keyless entry system.

I could go on. I know I'm not alone in thinking that the switches in the Cayman are amongst the worst ergonomically (and probably my pet hate over my 4 years of ownership) of any car I have owned recently.

Don't get me wrong the Cayman is STILL a terrific sports coupe - but please don't denigrate the opposition in areas where they are far better.
Hey Bcr. Interesting to get your real world review on both cars - if you haven’t already. I admit the ergonomics of Porsche switch gear aren’t the best, and take some getting used to. My observation of the Alpine was sitting in it for five minutes, and I’m sure if I’d driven it I’d be blown. But if it was a daily driver, the plastics were just too big a compromise for me. I guess it what floats your boat. Love to hear your real world views though

bcr5784

7,108 posts

145 months

Sunday 14th October 2018
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Ollie1977 said:
Hey Bcr. Interesting to get your real world review on both cars - if you haven’t already. I admit the ergonomics of Porsche switch gear aren’t the best, and take some getting used to. My observation of the Alpine was sitting in it for five minutes, and I’m sure if I’d driven it I’d be blown. But if it was a daily driver, the plastics were just too big a compromise for me. I guess it what floats your boat. Love to hear your real world views though
I don't disagree with you that the showroom appeal of the Cayman is (to my taste as well as yours) better - particularly if the model you have sat in has hundreds - possiblly thousands - of pounds worth of extras on leather here or there. In truth, though comparing cars in standard spec there is probably no more plastic on display in the Alpine and the Alpine has (genuine) carbon fibre and contrasting stitching (if that floats your boat) which you would pay thousands for in the Porsche.The LOOK of the Cayman switchgear IS certainly more to my taste.

But that is aesthetics - when it comes to driving the car the Alpine wins hands down on ergonomics.

There is a similar dichotomy on infotainment. The Alpine system looks old fashioned and the touchscreen is both unattractive and difficult to use - BUT soundwise the Focal audio is in a completely different league to the Bose system (which is frankly naff) of my 981.

Take your pick - form or function - for me it's function and the Alpine wins hands down. Others will take a different view.

ikonic

403 posts

198 months

Monday 15th October 2018
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From what my OpC told me, the “S” is now gone completely as most customers just go for the GTS anyway.

Re: the whole Alpine vs 718 argument...

I’m a huge RenaultSport fan boy having owned Clios, Twingo and Meganes in various forms over the years. I’ve no doubt the driving experience is every bit as good if not better than my Cayman.

However, my biggest issue with the Alpine is that I just don’t have confidence in the dealer network. My local Alpine dealer is also the Renault /Dacia dealer and my experience of them is less than positive.

Having spent the best part of £50k on my Cayman, I’ve been pretty satisfied with my treatment from the OPC despite me buying what it the cheapest car in their range.

Would I have the same confidence from my local Renault dealer having bought the most expensive car in their range? Probably not given past experience.

Whilst it probably doesn’t make financial sense for them to do so, I would have had more confidence if they’d gone and started totally separate Alpine dealerships.


bcr5784

7,108 posts

145 months

Monday 15th October 2018
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ikonic said:
I’m a huge RenaultSport fan boy having owned Clios, Twingo and Meganes in various forms over the years. I’ve no doubt the driving experience is every bit as good if not better than my Cayman.

However, my biggest issue with the Alpine is that I just don’t have confidence in the dealer network. My local Alpine dealer is also the Renault /Dacia dealer and my experience of them is less than positive.

Having spent the best part of £50k on my Cayman, I’ve been pretty satisfied with my treatment from the OPC despite me buying what it the cheapest car in their range.

Would I have the same confidence from my local Renault dealer having bought the most expensive car in their range? Probably not given past experience.

Whilst it probably doesn’t make financial sense for them to do so, I would have had more confidence if they’d gone and started totally separate Alpine dealerships.
It's a very fair point - the "buying experience" of the Alpine doesn't, (for many of us) compare with that of one at a Porsche dealership - and does make misgivings about future service a valid concern. If the car wasn't so good that thought would predominate - the fact that (I think) all of those who have actually driven the car have gone through with the purchase tells you a lot. I've yet to hear anyone having still real misgivings about their purchase now they own the car.

anonymous-user

54 months

Monday 15th October 2018
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I hope you’re getting commission from Renault BCR, as it’s a 24/7 case you make in favour of the A110.

To be fair that silver one at Blenheim did look good.

For a Renault smile



Si-3PO

525 posts

84 months

Monday 15th October 2018
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BCR said:
I hope you’re getting commission from Porsche Schmed, as it’s a 24/7 case you make in favour of the 718.

To be fair that silver one at Blenheim did sound good.

For a 4-pot smile

Ollie1977

105 posts

87 months

Monday 15th October 2018
quotequote all
bcr5784 said:
I don't disagree with you that the showroom appeal of the Cayman is (to my taste as well as yours) better - particularly if the model you have sat in has hundreds - possiblly thousands - of pounds worth of extras on leather here or there. In truth, though comparing cars in standard spec there is probably no more plastic on display in the Alpine and the Alpine has (genuine) carbon fibre and contrasting stitching (if that floats your boat) which you would pay thousands for in the Porsche.The LOOK of the Cayman switchgear IS certainly more to my taste.

But that is aesthetics - when it comes to driving the car the Alpine wins hands down on ergonomics.

There is a similar dichotomy on infotainment. The Alpine system looks old fashioned and the touchscreen is both unattractive and difficult to use - BUT soundwise the Focal audio is in a completely different league to the Bose system (which is frankly naff) of my 981.

Take your pick - form or function - for me it's function and the Alpine wins hands down. Others will take a different view.
BCR very good point comparing standard guises side-by-side there isn’t a huge difference in asthetics. Glad your loving it.

anonymous-user

54 months

Monday 15th October 2018
quotequote all
Si-3PO said:
BCR said:
I hope you’re getting commission from Porsche Schmed, as it’s a 24/7 case you make in favour of the 718.

To be fair that silver one at Blenheim did sound good.

For a 4-pot smile
laugh cheap shot

bcr5784

7,108 posts

145 months

Monday 15th October 2018
quotequote all
Schmed said:
I hope you’re getting commission from Renault BCR, as it’s a 24/7 case you make in favour of the A110.

To be fair that silver one at Blenheim did look good.

For a Renault smile
Did you actually read my previous post/ I think if you read ALL of my posts you will see that I cast a critical and balanced eye over every car I drive - including the Alpine. It's just that I have actually had experience of a number of Porsches and the Alpine. My opinions don't actually differ from most of the press comments - though my perspective may be a little different. I only continue to post because most of the adverse comments seem to be based on badge snobbery - and (invariably?) on no experience of driving the car. I suggest you actually try the car and post YOUR comments - you just may find that your views are closer to mine than you imagine.


Edited by bcr5784 on Monday 15th October 20:58

ikonic

403 posts

198 months

Monday 15th October 2018
quotequote all
bcr5784 said:
It's a very fair point - the "buying experience" of the Alpine doesn't, (for many of us) compare with that of one at a Porsche dealership - and does make misgivings about future service a valid concern. If the car wasn't so good that thought would predominate - the fact that (I think) all of those who have actually driven the car have gone through with the purchase tells you a lot. I've yet to hear anyone having still real misgivings about their purchase now they own the car.
Out of interest bcr, how has your experience of the Alpine dealer network been then?

I drive past Renault Manchester everyday and cast admiring glances at the white and blue A110s that are cornered off in the showroom. I'm guessing they have specific sales people dedicated to the Alpine brand?

My biggest concern would probably be taking it to back to Renault for servicing. At Porsche, I'm pretty confident that all the techs couldn't give a hoot about my Cayman, but I'd imagine the Renault techs having spent all year working on boggo Capturs and Scenics would probably be itching to give the Alpine a brief hoon.


bcr5784

7,108 posts

145 months

Tuesday 16th October 2018
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ikonic said:
Out of interest bcr, how has your experience of the Alpine dealer network been then?

I drive past Renault Manchester everyday and cast admiring glances at the white and blue A110s that are cornered off in the showroom. I'm guessing they have specific sales people dedicated to the Alpine brand?

My biggest concern would probably be taking it to back to Renault for servicing. At Porsche, I'm pretty confident that all the techs couldn't give a hoot about my Cayman, but I'd imagine the Renault techs having spent all year working on boggo Capturs and Scenics would probably be itching to give the Alpine a brief hoon.
The UK Alpine dealerships have been slow to get up to speed and some were still under construction when I picked up mine. No actual experience of service/repair - mine has given no issues so far. Yes there are dedicated salesmen at each dealership and dedicated mechanics (well one at least one of each)Anyway we are rather going off topic and there are Alpine A110 Driven and Alpine A110 vs Porsche 718 topics that we could discuss Alpine dealers.

springfan62

833 posts

76 months

Tuesday 23rd October 2018
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ikonic said:
Out of interest bcr, how has your experience of the Alpine dealer network been then?

I drive past Renault Manchester everyday and cast admiring glances at the white and blue A110s that are cornered off in the showroom. I'm guessing they have specific sales people dedicated to the Alpine brand?

My biggest concern would probably be taking it to back to Renault for servicing. At Porsche, I'm pretty confident that all the techs couldn't give a hoot about my Cayman, but I'd imagine the Renault techs having spent all year working on boggo Capturs and Scenics would probably be itching to give the Alpine a brief hoon.
Drop in and have a chat with Ian, the Alpine specialist, he will look after you and he is a true enthusiast.
I moved my order there from another dealer due to the excellent communication and true interest he has in the brand.

Servicing of the Alpine is restricted to specific trained techs, one was also present at hand over to answer any questions.

If you go for a drive, try and make sure you get a go out of town, I had a decent drive around North Manchester but always felt I needed to find some decent B roads to really explore the car. Bought it anyway and have zero regrets. I have always found Porsche dealers rather snobby and come across as if they are doing you a favour by letting you buy a car.



richthebike

1,733 posts

137 months

Thursday 1st November 2018
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To be fair, I get ignored just as well by the St. Albans Alpine salespeople as I do by the OPC Hatfield team!
Maybe I just don't look like their target. McLaren in Hatfield were awesome, but that may have been luck of the draw.

action09

85 posts

154 months

Thursday 1st November 2018
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Back to future spec, any indication of when additional colours might get re-introduced?

Have a deposit placed and was hoping for Sapphire Blue or an equivalent.

churchie2856

448 posts

190 months

Friday 21st December 2018
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So manual 718 caysters are back on the menu again, but now the configurator doesn't display any prices (for any Porsche in fact). Prices were there yesterday.

FFS Porsche - first no manuals, now no prices. Is this some elaborate scheme to prevent me spending my money!!??