Best Lease Car Deals Available? (Vol 4)
Discussion
TomScrut said:
dollyboy said:
I doubt I'll ever understand why steering wheels that aren't round are 'nicer' and I currently have two cars that just happen to come with 'non-round' steering wheels as standard, completely pointless.
The MY18 changes on the S4 include a flat bottom steering wheel, I'm very glad they haven't done the same for the MY18 S5 I have ordered.
I wonder if there's a business opportunity that's been missed, flat bottomed alloys, it's the future.
Wow, I didn't think it could be thought of as that funny.....The MY18 changes on the S4 include a flat bottom steering wheel, I'm very glad they haven't done the same for the MY18 S5 I have ordered.
I wonder if there's a business opportunity that's been missed, flat bottomed alloys, it's the future.
If you don't see the point in a flat bottomed wheel, I'm sure you're really happy about getting Audi Beam then on the S5?
As for the wheel, a lot of it depends on how you define "pointless". The main reason for it in my opinion is aesthetic purposes, which then calls into question the idea of different coloured seats, different wheels, different colours of paint on the car and paying to have the brakes painted red (which I think is a rip off at £375 or whatever it is). So if you think that there should be no individualism about one's car then yes I can see why in your eyes it is pointless.
I have no issue with aesthetics and individualisation, but I see no aesthetic appeal to a flat bottomed steering wheel. But each to their own.
Perhaps it would seem fine if they were only fitted to supercars or sports cars, But now they are fitted to everything it just seems wrong, even our Octavia vRS has one as standard, it's a 2.0 diesel estate for crying out loud.
Obviously they originate from motorsport so are seen as indicating performance. However they have a purpose in a specifically designed racing car where a round wheel may restrict leg room and movement, plus a drivers hands remain at 9 and 3 at all times, so no need for a round steering wheel. However none of this applies to a road car, where a driver needs to rotate the steering wheel further and use all of it's circumference, therefore a round steering wheel is much more appropriate and fit for purpose.
I have seen people mention about flat bottomed steering wheels helping with access and space for taller drivers, however I don't buy into that and believe it's just an excuse to justify it's purpose beyond them thinking it looks 'like a racing car'.
TomScrut said:
Wow, I didn't think it could be thought of as that funny.....
If you don't see the point in a flat bottomed wheel, I'm sure you're really happy about getting Audi Beam then on the S5?
As for the wheel, a lot of it depends on how you define "pointless". The main reason for it in my opinion is aesthetic purposes, which then calls into question the idea of different coloured seats, different wheels, different colours of paint on the car and paying to have the brakes painted red (which I think is a rip off at £375 or whatever it is). So if you think that there should be no individualism about one's car then yes I can see why in your eyes it is pointless.
Oh, and regarding the Audi Beam on the S5, yes also pointless in my view, although at least I don't have to physically interact with that.If you don't see the point in a flat bottomed wheel, I'm sure you're really happy about getting Audi Beam then on the S5?
As for the wheel, a lot of it depends on how you define "pointless". The main reason for it in my opinion is aesthetic purposes, which then calls into question the idea of different coloured seats, different wheels, different colours of paint on the car and paying to have the brakes painted red (which I think is a rip off at £375 or whatever it is). So if you think that there should be no individualism about one's car then yes I can see why in your eyes it is pointless.
I am looking forward to the nice interior and spec of the S5 when it arrives. But I was perfectly happy with that basic interior of my S1 Elise or the cheap interiors of my Impreza's, they all offer different things. Audi's being more superficially appealing, but rather lacking in other areas. I'm sure the S4 & S5 will be a very good daily driver, but I'll be looking for a more interesting weekend car as well, which I'm still undecided on.
dollyboy said:
I'm glad I had my rant....... I do find the trend for flat bottomed wheels to be rather bizarre
I have no issue with aesthetics and individualisation, but I see no aesthetic appeal to a flat bottomed steering wheel. But each to their own.
Perhaps it would seem fine if they were only fitted to supercars or sports cars, But now they are fitted to everything it just seems wrong, even our Octavia vRS has one as standard, it's a 2.0 diesel estate for crying out loud.
Obviously they originate from motorsport so are seen as indicating performance. However they have a purpose in a specifically designed racing car where a round wheel may restrict leg room and movement, plus a drivers hands remain at 9 and 3 at all times, so no need for a round steering wheel. However none of this applies to a road car, where a driver needs to rotate the steering wheel further and use all of it's circumference, therefore a round steering wheel is much more appropriate and fit for purpose.
I have seen people mention about flat bottomed steering wheels helping with access and space for taller drivers, however I don't buy into that and believe it's just an excuse to justify it's purpose beyond them thinking it looks 'like a racing car'.
So are you a fan of them or not? Spit it out...I have no issue with aesthetics and individualisation, but I see no aesthetic appeal to a flat bottomed steering wheel. But each to their own.
Perhaps it would seem fine if they were only fitted to supercars or sports cars, But now they are fitted to everything it just seems wrong, even our Octavia vRS has one as standard, it's a 2.0 diesel estate for crying out loud.
Obviously they originate from motorsport so are seen as indicating performance. However they have a purpose in a specifically designed racing car where a round wheel may restrict leg room and movement, plus a drivers hands remain at 9 and 3 at all times, so no need for a round steering wheel. However none of this applies to a road car, where a driver needs to rotate the steering wheel further and use all of it's circumference, therefore a round steering wheel is much more appropriate and fit for purpose.
I have seen people mention about flat bottomed steering wheels helping with access and space for taller drivers, however I don't buy into that and believe it's just an excuse to justify it's purpose beyond them thinking it looks 'like a racing car'.
dollyboy said:
I'm glad I had my rant....... I do find the trend for flat bottomed wheels to be rather bizarre
I have no issue with aesthetics and individualisation, but I see no aesthetic appeal to a flat bottomed steering wheel. But each to their own.
Perhaps it would seem fine if they were only fitted to supercars or sports cars, But now they are fitted to everything it just seems wrong, even our Octavia vRS has one as standard, it's a 2.0 diesel estate for crying out loud.
Obviously they originate from motorsport so are seen as indicating performance. However they have a purpose in a specifically designed racing car where a round wheel may restrict leg room and movement, plus a drivers hands remain at 9 and 3 at all times, so no need for a round steering wheel. However none of this applies to a road car, where a driver needs to rotate the steering wheel further and use all of it's circumference, therefore a round steering wheel is much more appropriate and fit for purpose.
I have seen people mention about flat bottomed steering wheels helping with access and space for taller drivers, however I don't buy into that and believe it's just an excuse to justify it's purpose beyond them thinking it looks 'like a racing car'.
Glad we feel the same about the beam! If I had leased a MY17 S4 I would be cheesed off about the extra spec on the MY18 ones (as I would have specified flat bottomed wheel and 19s). As I have an S5 I couldn't care less about the lights.I have no issue with aesthetics and individualisation, but I see no aesthetic appeal to a flat bottomed steering wheel. But each to their own.
Perhaps it would seem fine if they were only fitted to supercars or sports cars, But now they are fitted to everything it just seems wrong, even our Octavia vRS has one as standard, it's a 2.0 diesel estate for crying out loud.
Obviously they originate from motorsport so are seen as indicating performance. However they have a purpose in a specifically designed racing car where a round wheel may restrict leg room and movement, plus a drivers hands remain at 9 and 3 at all times, so no need for a round steering wheel. However none of this applies to a road car, where a driver needs to rotate the steering wheel further and use all of it's circumference, therefore a round steering wheel is much more appropriate and fit for purpose.
I have seen people mention about flat bottomed steering wheels helping with access and space for taller drivers, however I don't buy into that and believe it's just an excuse to justify it's purpose beyond them thinking it looks 'like a racing car'.
I will admit I like the visual appeal because it looks more "racecar" and £100 over a £11000 odd lease is fairly insignificant. In the same way as I think the red painted callipers look good I think it's too much to pay £375 for them. If the wheel had been any more than £100 I would have passed on it.
Anyone know how flexible VW are regarding changing order?
I completely ignored the golden rule of "no options" on a lease car and added a few bits to a GT 190 Passat estate, mainly to improve the drive, e.g. xDS electronic diff. Also, I really couldn't face three years getting into something called Urano grey. It sounds like a sink unblocker not a car paint colour. I can only assume its sole purpose is to encourage people to upgrade to a metallic. It worked as I went with the Harvard Blue which looks quite nice and not unlike my current V70.
The two 'toys' that I went with were electric tailgate and rear camera at a cost of £695. I am now wishing that I had just taken the Nappa luxury pack at the same cost instead - leather upholstery and sound insulating glass.
I will give them a buzz tomorrow, but just wondering if folk have been successful changing order. FYI, it was only placed on Monday and a deposit of £500 paid. Lead time is 12 weeks and if the rest of their operation is anything to go by the salesman has probably been too busy looking after his bad beard to send the order in yet!
I completely ignored the golden rule of "no options" on a lease car and added a few bits to a GT 190 Passat estate, mainly to improve the drive, e.g. xDS electronic diff. Also, I really couldn't face three years getting into something called Urano grey. It sounds like a sink unblocker not a car paint colour. I can only assume its sole purpose is to encourage people to upgrade to a metallic. It worked as I went with the Harvard Blue which looks quite nice and not unlike my current V70.
The two 'toys' that I went with were electric tailgate and rear camera at a cost of £695. I am now wishing that I had just taken the Nappa luxury pack at the same cost instead - leather upholstery and sound insulating glass.
I will give them a buzz tomorrow, but just wondering if folk have been successful changing order. FYI, it was only placed on Monday and a deposit of £500 paid. Lead time is 12 weeks and if the rest of their operation is anything to go by the salesman has probably been too busy looking after his bad beard to send the order in yet!
NickdeBug said:
Anyone know how flexible VW are regarding changing order?
I completely ignored the golden rule of "no options" on a lease car and added a few bits to a GT 190 Passat estate, mainly to improve the drive, e.g. xDS electronic diff. Also, I really couldn't face three years getting into something called Urano grey. It sounds like a sink unblocker not a car paint colour. I can only assume its sole purpose is to encourage people to upgrade to a metallic. It worked as I went with the Harvard Blue which looks quite nice and not unlike my current V70.
The two 'toys' that I went with were electric tailgate and rear camera at a cost of £695. I am now wishing that I had just taken the Nappa luxury pack at the same cost instead - leather upholstery and sound insulating glass.
I will give them a buzz tomorrow, but just wondering if folk have been successful changing order. FYI, it was only placed on Monday and a deposit of £500 paid. Lead time is 12 weeks and if the rest of their operation is anything to go by the salesman has probably been too busy looking after his bad beard to send the order in yet!
cancel the XDS.I completely ignored the golden rule of "no options" on a lease car and added a few bits to a GT 190 Passat estate, mainly to improve the drive, e.g. xDS electronic diff. Also, I really couldn't face three years getting into something called Urano grey. It sounds like a sink unblocker not a car paint colour. I can only assume its sole purpose is to encourage people to upgrade to a metallic. It worked as I went with the Harvard Blue which looks quite nice and not unlike my current V70.
The two 'toys' that I went with were electric tailgate and rear camera at a cost of £695. I am now wishing that I had just taken the Nappa luxury pack at the same cost instead - leather upholstery and sound insulating glass.
I will give them a buzz tomorrow, but just wondering if folk have been successful changing order. FYI, it was only placed on Monday and a deposit of £500 paid. Lead time is 12 weeks and if the rest of their operation is anything to go by the salesman has probably been too busy looking after his bad beard to send the order in yet!
It costs a few hundred quid but can be activated with Vagcom for free/£10er at a later date.
Cheers for that - saves a few more pennies, even if it is only £185 rather than a few hundred!
To be honest I went to the dealer fully intending to just order the 150ps stock GT.
When all the maths was done and four trips "to talk to my manager" later - the upgrade to the 190ps engine and the options (inc paint) added £30 to the monthly cost.
If I am going to be driving it for 60k miles I reckon an extra £1 a day is fair enough. I probably spend 5x that on coffee!
I get full govt mileage rates so mileage claim alone will cover lease, fuel and insurance - without even touching the £8k car allowance (only £380/mnth after tax )
To be honest I went to the dealer fully intending to just order the 150ps stock GT.
When all the maths was done and four trips "to talk to my manager" later - the upgrade to the 190ps engine and the options (inc paint) added £30 to the monthly cost.
If I am going to be driving it for 60k miles I reckon an extra £1 a day is fair enough. I probably spend 5x that on coffee!
I get full govt mileage rates so mileage claim alone will cover lease, fuel and insurance - without even touching the £8k car allowance (only £380/mnth after tax )
On Drive The Deal
SMART FORTWO COUPE 1.0 Passion 2dr
Available for immediate delivery from stock in the following solid colours:
•White
•Black
•Red
All colours feature a black/neutral cloth interior
As standard, this model carries the following features
•15" 8-spoke alloy wheels painted in silver
•Radiator trim in black
•Cool & Audio package with automatic climate control and Audio-System.
•smart Audio-System with AUX/USB interface, Bluetooth interface with a hands-free system, audio streaming for music transfer and for connection with smart cross connect app for iOS and Android
•Automatic climate control
This offer applies to the Stock cars shown above only. We do not have the ability to add or remove options on this offer.
Road fund licence is included for the duration of the contract. All orders to be placed by 30th May to qualify for this offer and delivered by 30th June/
An arrangement fee of £195 + vat (£234 inclusive of vat) is payable to Drivethedeal.com on acceptance of your proposal.
Personal Contract Hire
£122.00
per month x 23
inc. VAT
7,000
annual
mileage
£122.00
Initial Payment
including VAT
Order now
Enquire
SMART FORTWO COUPE 1.0 Passion 2dr
Available for immediate delivery from stock in the following solid colours:
•White
•Black
•Red
All colours feature a black/neutral cloth interior
As standard, this model carries the following features
•15" 8-spoke alloy wheels painted in silver
•Radiator trim in black
•Cool & Audio package with automatic climate control and Audio-System.
•smart Audio-System with AUX/USB interface, Bluetooth interface with a hands-free system, audio streaming for music transfer and for connection with smart cross connect app for iOS and Android
•Automatic climate control
This offer applies to the Stock cars shown above only. We do not have the ability to add or remove options on this offer.
Road fund licence is included for the duration of the contract. All orders to be placed by 30th May to qualify for this offer and delivered by 30th June/
An arrangement fee of £195 + vat (£234 inclusive of vat) is payable to Drivethedeal.com on acceptance of your proposal.
Personal Contract Hire
£122.00
per month x 23
inc. VAT
7,000
annual
mileage
£122.00
Initial Payment
including VAT
Order now
Enquire
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